Barrel length opinions for new .243AI

[Greg Duerr]

Im having a new .243AI built on a 700SA and was wondering what barrel length you guys would recomend. Its going to be used as a walking Varmint 90% of the time and Deer and Antelope 10% of the time. Right now Im looking at a 24" #4 PacNor SM SS 1x9

Greg

 

[40X Guy]

I would say that you are on the money with the Pacnor you are looking at if you are building a walking varminter. With the 9 twist you are considering it will shoot 87 grain V-Max's very well for varmints, and 95 grain Nosler Partition's for deer. A potent combo.

Frank

 

[65BR]

#4 will be stiff, not looking for a lightweight rifle but not for a 1K rifle either I don't suppose. If you were REALLY stretching it out, I'd opt for a heavy bbl/varmint contour.

I'd not want over 24" but a 24 will do nice IMO for a 243 - ai or not. I run a 20" 243 and not unhappy. FWIW, w/my 1 in 9 1/8" twist, I shot 3 70 TNTs using H380 around 3200 in about a 1/4" group, then dropped 3 more 105 amax at around 2850-2900 into same hole and POI. I was very happy. That said, my experience shows an 8 twist in 6BR will shoot 68s AND 105s BOTH into 1/4" - for first three shots - at 200 yds, in the custom I had - so don't be afraid of an 8 twist.

An 8 twist will run ALL weights thru 115s but your 9 will do w/105 amax and similar if you desire.

Not much a 70 TNT or 87 Vmax won't do for most varmints so typical ranges this side of 500-600 yds if you do your part. A 95 ballistic tip is a top choice deer bullet for me as are the Barnes 80 TTSX and 85 TSX albeit the latter at slightly less BC.

Me? For handling reasons, I'd run a 23-24" 8 twist #3 unfluted and might be just as happy w/straight 243. I have no need for more speed but the AI will stretch less on brass.

Enjoy your build, it'll be a nice rifle.

 

[bheadboy]

my 2c worth, go 26 fluted, gives more flex on powder choice, higher velocity for hi bc var bullets, and for deer fluted will not weigh more than 24 std.

Bob

 

[coyoteklr]

i agree with Bob.... i have another in a build.... but in a 10 twist....i hope to get a little more speed than a 9......

 

[TAC]

My suggestion for barrel length would be... go short, 22 inches. A #4 barrel is going to be nice and stiff but not too heavy. I think balance is important for a walking type rifle so think LTR...

Now, I had many 243's and currently own a 243AI. To me the only reason to go AI is for a bench type gun. The only real advantage to the AI is less case stretch over a standard 243.

Yeah, it holds 6% more powder than a standard 243 and it adds at most 180 FPS... for a target rifle that's an advantage worth while, but for a hunting/varmint rig - not so much. You've got fire forming and feeding issues to deal with. So if it were my money and time I'd go straight 243: Not nearly as sexy as the AI but certainly more practical. An AI begs for a long barrel and heavy bullets, 105's to 115's and that's not what you want for a hunting rig... is it?

Twist is always an issue with a custom so my suggestion is to go 1 in 9. You can shoot the 87 Vmax's for varminting (what a great bullet) and then step up for a hunting bullet of your choice.

... I'm now convincing myself I need another 243.


Cheers.


T

 

[coyoteklr]

i'm driving a 70 grain in my 243AI McGowen barrel and fn / win. action at about 3860 with superformance powder i think thats a little more than a 180 fps over a straight 243..... and it ain't sexy just good.... it out shoots me..... right after i got it it was shootin high one and low two's.... i don't have to lead runnin coyotes much.... no it isn't a bench gun.......and an ugly stock.....

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

my 2c worth, go 26 fluted, gives more flex on powder choice, higher velocity for hi bc var bullets, and for deer fluted will not weigh more than 24 std.

Bob

What he said.

 

[TAC]

6% increase is powder capacity, just 6% over a standard load. The speed is easy to figure out, go to the data tables and do the math -

Remember feeding for the AI in a standard rifle is going to be finicky. follow up shots can be difficult if you've got to massage a round into the chamber. Some guys say their AI's feed just fine, just be aware that is not the norm. the best feeding I've seen is from center feed mag.

Then you've got fire forming... Look if you've got you heart set on an AI go for it. Just be aware that an AI is extra work and the return may not be worth it if all you're doing is varminting and hunting.

243AI with a 105gr Berger - sexy.


T

 

[oldroper]

Greg, I used a 1/10 twist Hart #4 finish @ 26" for my 243AI and I put it in a H&S BDL stock mounted a Leupold 6x18 and it weights 9 3/4 lbs. It's + - what my deer/elk rifles weight so good for me as walking varmit/antelope rifle.

I've shot 80/85 and some 87gr bullet in that rifle and the 80's I've had over 3700fps and it's only acouple grains over a max load for the 243 and I think most of that gain is in the extra barrel length.

I wore out my walking varmit/antelope rifle it was a 6RemAI I used a supermatch Pac-Nor #4 fluted finished 26" long barrel.

I've also got a 223AI,222AI,35WhelenAI,280AI so I've got alittle experience with AI and it took me years to do the 243AI as I'd always shot the 6RemAI. I'm glad I finally did the 243AI good caliber it goes along with my custom 243.

I think there is an advantage going with the longer barrel and my 243AI has a nice balance and I like long barrels. If your like 24" get that your building something for you not someone else. Well good luck