.243WSSM legitimate 600/1000 F-Class?

[Varminterror]

I'm very new to the competitive shooting game, but I'm starting to cull out some of the cartridges that I reload for, and "standardizing" around a few cases I like.

I run a .243WSSM AR that is absolutely amazing for my application. It's primarily a coyote rifle, but I also use it for deer. I'm considering getting a new barrel for a Savage RBLP in .243WSSM as well and putting ski's under her for F-class, but I've never heard much about the .243WSSM as a competition round?

How does a .243WSSM hold up against a 6.5-284 or .284 "shehane" at 1000yrds? I usually run either 105grn A-max's or 115grn DTAC's right now in the AR. I know the 6.5 and straight .284 would have an advantage in bullet weight, but having an 100-200fps can't hurt either.

 

[bozo699]

I don't know for sure but I would say the reason you don't see them on the 1000 yard BR or f-class is barrel life and poor brass, if you want to be competitive with a 6mm at a 1000 yards you would be much better off with a 6br or improved version, ie,..Dasher or 6brx or in f-class maybe a 6xc.
Wayne.

P.S in Br competition if I can't buy lapua brass for it I ain't interested.

 

[FroggyOne2]

Wayne, there is on other round that he might consider and that is the 6-6.5X47L.

 

[bozo699]

Wayne, there is on other round that he might consider and that is the 6-6.5X47L.

Absolutely, I have been told there a little finicky to tune but when there tuned,....Look out! I shot beside a man from Pennsylvania that had both 6 and 6.5X47's and he was steadily shooting 5" groups at 1K in switching winds, very capable round and it's Lapua brass.
Wayne.

 

[Nomad47]

Sounds like you're a real expert on 243 WSSMs, dmoran.

I must be real lucky. I'm shooting 105 AMax's out of a 30" Kreiger barrel at 3250 MV. After 600 rounds, no throat erosion.

And I can compete against 6.5s and 7s at matches shooting steel at 1000 yards.

But I will agree with Bozo699, the brass creates a little extra work. The necks are thick. Neck turning and annealing help a lot.

 

[MarkS]

Varminterror
The 243 WSSM brass sucks, at best. Go with what is winning. The 6BR IMP's are the way to go. They have all the speed you need. My gunsmith went full guns when the WSSM came out. He got reamer for all of them, only to find out, the brass was a problem.

Mark

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Sounds like you're a real expert on 243 WSSMs, dmoran.

I must be real lucky. I'm shooting 105 AMax's out of a 30" Kreiger barrel at 3250 MV. After 600 rounds, no throat erosion.

And I can compete against 6.5s and 7s at matches shooting steel at 1000 yards.

But I will agree with Bozo699, the brass creates a little extra work. The necks are thick. Neck turning and annealing help a lot.

Yeah, I need to get a borescope, which one are you using?

 

[Nomad47]

Either a friend's or Walt Berger's. I really like Walt's since he has his hooked up to a video monitor and we can both look at it at the same time.

Sounds like you don't believe me. Why don't you bring a bore scope and come to Port Lavaca and see for yourself.

 

[bozo699]

Either a friend's or Walt Berger's. I really like Walt's since he has his hooked up to a video monitor and we can both look at it at the same time.

Sounds like you don't believe me. Why don't you bring a bore scope and come to Port Lavaca and see for yourself.

;D

 

[Erik Cortina]

Sounds like you're a real expert on 243 WSSMs, dmoran.

I must be real lucky. I'm shooting 105 AMax's out of a 30" Kreiger barrel at 3250 MV. After 600 rounds, no throat erosion.

And I can compete against 6.5s and 7s at matches shooting steel at 1000 yards.

But I will agree with Bozo699, the brass creates a little extra work. The necks are thick. Neck turning and annealing help a lot.

Bill, the rate of fire in F-Class is brutal on barrels compared to the type of shooting you do. 20 + shots in under 8 minutes most of the time is not good for barrels. There's a reason no one (that I know of) uses it in competition.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

Either a friend's or Walt Berger's. I really like Walt's since he has his hooked up to a video monitor and we can both look at it at the same time.

Sounds like you don't believe me. Why don't you bring a bore scope and come to Port Lavaca and see for yourself.

Where did you get that idea? I believe every word you say.

I've been to Port Lavaca, it's a good place to be from.

 

[Nomad47]

Erik, I totally agree. I would never even remotely consider the 243 WSSM for f-class. But it is not as bad a cartridge as dmoran would lead us to believe. And you know that, you hit an 8" steel gong at 500 yards in a 10 mph wind on three consecutive shots with my 243 wssm.

Bayou, I have to agree about Port Lavaca. We'll be leaving in 17 days and moving on to our next 30 day stay. But the town does have a decent 100 and 200 yard private range that only costs $30 per year with unlimited shooting from covered concrete benches.

 

[PREMOD70]

The brass is too thick in the case area as well, it is hard to get consistent chamber traction compared to 243 Win type cases.