243W Freebore

[reubenski]

I have a 1:10 Shilen 6mm barrel at the smith I plan on chambering to 243AI. I am thinking the best bullets will be 87gr Vmax, 95gr SST, Barnes 85gr, and 90 to 95gr match bullets. I would like to know what the barrel needs to be throated at. What should the freebore be for this class of bullets? Thanks

 

[rcw3]

You have asked for an answer to the entire equation without providing a critical piece of information necessary to provide a proper answer.

A free bore length someone gives you is of no use if you do not specify up front what the throat angle you intend to use will be, as throat angle can make a very significant difference in where bullets hit the lands and what free bore is appropriate for certain bullets.

Robert Whitley

 

[reubenski]

Hmmm.. I didn't know that, thanks. I have heard people talk about Leade Angle, is this what you're reffering to? I guess I'm a little in over my head. Is there a common angle for a standard no turn neck 243AI? Or would you have any suggestions for an appropriate angle that would facilitate the proper freebore for 87gr Amax and 95gr SST?

 

[Jeff Peinhardt]

Your smith probably will use a standard 1 1/2 degree lead in in the bore. Since the 243 has ample powder capacity...use a shorter lead so that you are seating bullets deeper into the case. I know it sounds wrong but the results are great. My reamer is 0.080 free-bore....I have 3 243 rifles...I use a 0.274 neck PTG reamer. You can turn the necks just to clean up or shoot factory ammo. Volume is minimized and makes the cartridge more efficient. Start lower on charges.....

Try Hybrid 100V with setup as above. I use 43.5gr 0.005 off the lands with the 87 gr VMAX. Case is full, very accurate and very good velocity with standard 243,3400+). I use the same load with the 95 VLD Berger and the 88 HBFB Berger. It's about impossible to beat the 88 HBFB Berger,accuracy wise) in all three of my guns, however, not as devastating on groundhogs as the 87VMAX.

Good luck

 

[reubenski]

PR2Shooter- Thanks, that's some good feedback! Wow, that's fast with the 87gr Vmax's. I didn't know you could hit that with a standard .243 that's pretty much what I'm planning on hitting. Thanks again.