243 build twist

[dtucker]

Guys i am going to start working on a varmint build in 243. Most varmint rifles in the past that i have had built were in the 14 to 12 twist range. The new build i am going to do is to shoot the heavier bullets and i am just up in the air in whether to use a 7.5 or 8 twist barrel. I am not looking to shoot the 115s and looking at around the 105 range bullet weight. If i do the 7.5 twist do you think their is really no difference than the 8 twist in accuracy and if i wanted to shoot some heavier 1s to try out i would have a better twist for those and not sacrifice the intended purpose of the build? Thanks............DAN

 

[watercam]

I have had both 8" and 7.5" twists and they both shot 115s without a hitch. Generally I shoot 105-107s these days with great luck.

 

[HillbillySniper]

I have an 8 twist that I shoot the 105s and 107s outta as well. I tried some of the 115s and they shot okay but for them to shoot well for me it had to be a really hot day. IMO id go with the 7.5 or even a 7 twist barrel cuz you can always still shoot the 105 or 107s outta those twist barrels.



Hillbilly

 

[40X Guy]

Dan, if you are shooting the 105-107 class bullets, an eight twist will be perfect. Have you contemplated Ackley Improving your build?

Frank

 

[dtucker]

Frank, I have thought about doing the Ackley version because i have had a couple of those along with the 22-250 Ackley also. They have all been single shots and in the last couple years they have all found new homes. I have started having my rifles built as repeaters with detachable mags so i am unsure if the ackley version will feed as reliable as the standard 243. That is something i need to look into and see if i can go that way.

 

[HillbillySniper]

Dtucker, the ackley only seems to have problems feeding from a staggered mag if your using detachable mags you should be find since there center feed. I wouldn't rule out the ackley just for that reason there's ways around it.

Hillbilly

 

[Scott Harris]

8 twist. You can use it for the 115s too, so it's plenty for any 105.

 

[Steve Blair]

An 8" twist should stabilize DTAC 115s fine but may have trouble with Berger 115 VLDs. I have three 6mm Remingtons, one with 8" and another with 7.5" twist.

 

[Rookie]

Dtucker, the ackley only seems to have problems feeding from a staggered mag if your using detachable mags you should be find since there center feed. I wouldn't rule out the ackley just for that reason there's ways around it.

Hillbilly

I've run 125rds through my 243AI Blackbird with 700adl mag with no feeding problems at all.

 

[k80skeet]

Dan, The barrel life is a lot better on the 6mm Remington than on the 243 Winchester with the 243 Winchester being only about 1150 rounds, The 6mm would be a far better choice and more case size too,

 

[Heavies]

Would a gain twist 8.75-8.3 work in .243 for 105-108's to get higher velocity with less pressure??

 

[Steve Blair]

Dan, The barrel life is a lot better on the 6mm Remington than on the 243 Winchester with the 243 Winchester being only about 1150 rounds, The 6mm would be a far better choice and more case size too,

As the owner of three 6mm Remingtons, I agree that it is a better cartridge. The problem is cartridge length. If using anything other than short bullets, the 6mm is better served by a long action. My 6mm light gun shoots Berger 115 VLDs loaded to 3.185" OAL. The .243 will usually work better in a short action.

 

[CPorter]

A barrel life of 1150 rounds is a bit short in my experience using not max loads. The original barrel lasted about 2500 rounds. The current Lilja stainless has 2700 and is going strong using BN coated bullets.

 

[BDA]

I'm running a 1-9"twist here and it stabilizes the 105VLD's and 105Amax's to 1000yds in below freezing temps. We are 800asl.