22-250 vs 243 vs 308 Accuracy

[Phil3]

I am planning a new rifle build (6mmBR) with a Howa action. Howa actions come with a barrel, but none in 6mmBR. Instead of just immediately chucking the barrel, I figured why not get some shooting practice time on the Howa barrel in my new stock until the 6mm barrel shows up. The question is what barrel to practice and shoot out before replacing it with a custom 6mmBR barrel. I have a choice from Howa of 22-250, 243 Winchester, and 308, but don't know how they compare for accuracy at 100 - 300 yards. ??? If all about the same, I'll opt for the 22-250, it eating the least powder and having the cheapest bullets.

Phil

 

[bheadboy]

of the 3 only the 308 has been competetive at any time in the Bench rest 100-300 comp. that back in the 70's when a number of competetors use the cal with 150 gr bullets. Wally Hart set a record i believe in the area of .100 in a match in the mid 70's.

the other two are good accurate rounds but will not match the 308

Bob

 

[DeltaBravo]

I started out with a Rem 700 in 243 and just upgraded along the way until I finally had my 6BR complete. The bullets can be used for 243 or 6BR - try the 80 grain Berger Match Varmint if you can find them! I'd also load to the same MV as the 6BR, around 2800 fps or so and then you'll have similar windages.

You'll really like the 6BR! I'm using Lapua blue box brass, CCI450s, 8208-XBR and those Bergers. Shoots great, especially if I do my part!

Dennis

 

[Laurie]

I started out with a Rem 700 in 243 and just upgraded along the way until I finally had my 6BR complete. The bullets can be used for 243 or 6BR - try the 80 grain Berger Match Varmint if you can find them! I'd also load to the same MV as the 6BR, around 2800 fps or so and then you'll have similar windages. [DeltaBravo]

A sensible approach and you might well shoot enough to put the barrel past its accuracy life by the time your new 6mm barrel appears.

Don't go for the 308 option unless you want to risk putting your 6BR project back - you might just get too good results and enjoy shooting the rifle too much. And it takes a lot of use to shoot a 308 Howa out. (I'm assuming here that your three options would all employ the Howa Varmint barrel version.)

 

[bheadboy]

the question was "accurcy" comparison, there is no way 22-250 or 243 will equal the 308,


there may be other considerations but that was the question

Bob

 

[NWnewguy]

Not sure why accuracy is your primary concern if the plan is to replace it anyway. I think you were on track with the 22-250. Get the fundamentals of marksmanship down, while using the spending the least on components. As well, you could use the factory barrel as a switch barrel if you ever got a chance to go for live varmints.

As far as inherent accuracy, well lets just say a statistician would have a field day with our assumptions about that. Let's just describe it as someone claiming that the horse was the fastest animal in the world because they win every Kentucky Derby. A 22-250 wouldn't get selected for anything BR due to barrel life being unacceptably short.

Of course this is only my opinion, and your priorities and plan is what it more important.

 

[Steve3]

I have been following your threads.

I would go with the Savage 6BR right from the start. I have been running these scenarios thru my head as well. Yes a 243 would be fine but I don't want more top end reloading gear around when I finally change up to the 6BR. The 243 is a great cartridge, if you go that route you might just stay with that chambering.

 

[stacy]

I HAVE A 22-250 VARMINT HOWA THIS THING SHOOTS LITTLE BUG HOLES ,I'M BUILDING A 243IMP ON A HOWA ACTION NOW THE ONLY PROBLEM I'VD HAD IS GETTING THE BARREL OFF THOSE THING MOST BE WELDED ON LOL...................SHOOT A 243 VARMINT HOWA ALSO.

 

[Phil3]

No question, the path to "6mmBR land" is not so easy while trying to stay on a tight budget and have an action or rifle before 2014. Going the Savage route allows me to select from one of three models and have it in my hands within a few weeks for a pretty cheap price. That IS appealing vs a more complex, time consuming, higher cost build.

Phil

 

[Phil3]

I HAVE A 22-250 VARMINT HOWA THIS THING SHOOTS LITTLE BUG HOLES ,I'M BUILDING A 243IMP ON A HOWA ACTION NOW THE ONLY PROBLEM I'VD HAD IS GETTING THE BARREL OFF THOSE THING MOST BE WELDED ON LOL...................SHOOT A 243 VARMINT HOWA ALSO.

The Howa barrels are on super tight. Don't bother trying to twist it off, you might distort or crack the action. Any machine shop or good gunsmith can chuck the barrel in a lathe and use a parting tool to cut into the barrel about .010" or so, ahead of the action face. Cut down a good amount, but do NOT cut barrel off by cutting into chamber of barrel! And of course, do not touch the action with the cutting tool! The .010" metal on the barrel will flex and relieve the tension on the threads, and the barrel should come off easily.

Phil

 

[stacy]

WE CUT IT WITH A PARTING TOOL W/IN 80/THS AND IT STILL WANT TURN .FIRST ONE WE HAD TO DO THAT SO WE'RE LETTING IT SOAK IN KANO OIL..............