Just a fun project

[David Clark]

Hi guys, new here and would like a little info. I,m 70 now and in very bad health so just wanted something to keep my mind busy. I was a gunsmith for 30 odd years so I do know a little bit.

I picked up a Stevens 243 new at Dunhams for $279.00 with scope that I gave to my son. I;ll use a Weaver 15 power that I have. What I want to do is set the barrel back and ream to 6BR. I know you will say get a better barrel but what fun is that,

I will be shooting no farther then 200 yds. SO my question is, what bullets would work in a 9.5 twist. From what i have read it says go with 14 but 8 will shoot everything. Lot of difference between 8 and 14. If my health gets better and I like this I will go for a good barrel.
thanks for any help you can give this old man
Dave

 

[cmillard]

give some 95 vld bergers a try. or try the 80 grain bergers. i think since you are shooting at 200 and under, a boat tail wont really benefit you--stick with a flat base.

 

[fdshuster]

David: My standard lighter weight bullet, ever dependable is the old 68 gr. berger Match, flat base # 24411. They work extremely well in my two 1-14, one 1-9.25 and even in the 1-8 6BR's. Also my bullet of choice for the 6ppc 1-14. Over the years it has never let me down. I also set-back a Savage mdl. 12BVSS factory chambered in 243, and that's where the 1-9.25 came from. Lost 1" off the 26" barrel length for the set-back and still had enough barrel diameter for the threads. Heaviest bullet I've tried in the 1-9.25 is the various 85 gr. Have used the 68 Berger out to 300 yds. maximum, and they do extremly well out to there, so your 200 yd usage should be fine.

 

[David Clark]

Thant you for your replies . It seems right now reloading supplies are very hard to get but will keep my eyes open.
Dave

 

[jo191145]

For 200yds and under a 68 or 80 gn flatbase Berger is all you need. Very accurate pills that are not extremely finicky. Usually .010 jam is a great place to start

They're not high BC bullets but unless you plan on shooting in Hurricanes they should do very well. The 80 Berg has shot very well in every 6mm barrel I've tried with appropriate twist. Always ends up being my pill of choice for 300 and under in normal conditions. Now if the wind was howling and I wanted to stretch to 300 I'd kick myself for chosing a low BC bullet ;D

 

[NorCalMikie]

One thing to consider when you rechamber to 6BR, set it up with the lightest bullet you plan to shoot. That way you won't be chasing the lands. On my 6BR, after 500 rounds the lands have moved out close to .040. Not much neck contact with the 55s anymore.