Ol Lordy, a FNG asking a Opinion question: 6mmBR OR 243AI, which one?

[IDuraCoat29483]

OK, i have my VERY first Savage 110 in old 243 win, and have had since i was 11 (now 27). It was used when i got, and now i want to rebarrel it. Here is the delemma: a gunsmith told me that 243 burns barrels, and recommended 6mmBR because it was it faster, more accurate, doesnt eat barrels for lunch. Now, I kinda came to the idea of getting the gun redone in 243AI, but read that it doesnt have the barrel life that 6mmBR does. I dont know that much about 6mmBR other than it is very common in competition crowd. I reload, so i would make my own rounds for either bullets, but i need the following: A gun that can destroy PDogs and Deer, push a bullet fast, and be accurate(barring that i am not a complete idoit and cant shoot). I am going to have the barrel made, so i just need some good honest input on the pros and cons of the rounds and uses that i will be using them for. I wont be shooting in a competition, so that isnt a need, but i would like to shoot up to 100grn bullets to take out deer, or the taliban

 

[IDuraCoat29483]

ya it is consider now a long action, but i was thinking something faster than the 243, that is why i was looking at the AI, to push the round a little more, you know? I am looking, and the overall, just on some of the hand load data i am seeing on the net, w/ a 85 gr round, i am getting ABOUT 2800ft, where with the AI i am getting anywhere from 3200 to 3400 on an 87gr round. But the question that is important to me is again, the barrel life and accuarcy of the two rounds, as it seems the 243AI is the speed demon.

 

[Exercion]

My take on the question: what is your prime concern?
-If it's accuracy, then the 6mmBR wins hands down (though that pipsqueak of a case would look awful lonely in a long action port)
-If it's velocity, then no, the BR isn't your choice though the little case can push the 100-105 class bullets well up into the 2800 range or more with a longish tube.

You do mention speed a couple times, and realize that given a single bore size, in this case 6mm, velocity and barrel life are diametrically opposed: the faster you push the bullets, the more powder you burn doing so, the shorter the barrel life. You want hyperactive speed? 6-284, like a 243 on steroids but you'll get to try all sort of different barrel makers if you shoot it a bunch. I have one of each: 6mmBR, .243, and 6-284, and the BR is my favorite, because I believe accuracy trumps velocity. I shoot competition with it, but if I had the chance to go whacking PD's the 6BR would be my pick. One other thing to consider: if you are planning to magazine feed this rifle, rather than single load, you *may* have issues making a BR case feed, but that's not something I have tried and thus can't verify.

Eric

 

[IDuraCoat29483]

I well speed is important, but i WAS considering 22-284, but that round is so fast that i think i could shoot 3 round and then have to wait for it to cool down, and i live in SC, so that could be hours in the summer. The Savage 110 has an internal spring type magazine, so i dont think feeding it would be an issue if i go either way, it would hold 4 round of 243 as it stands now. I do understand that you do give up some of the barrel life when you push a lot of powder.

 

[Josh11]

Go with 6 Dasher or BRX. Both great speed and better accuracy than 243. I dont know about barrle life. But you could shoot both light and heavy bullets with them. Deer and p dogs dont have a chance. Look them up, you wont be disapointed.

 

[effendude]

You seem conflicted on what you want. If you believe the .243 burns barrels, you won't like the Ackley version. This rifle in this caliber lasted you for 16 years and it was used when you got it. Barrel life should not be a great concern if it is mostly a hunting rifle. A PD gun would be different altogether.

I have several .243, some I use as my longer distance PD guns for select shots, but not the high volume stuff we all dream of. The .243 is a very accurate cartridge that takes a back seat to no one. It wins at Camp Perry very regularly. And nearly any retail store has ammo if you really need it when on a trip, etc.

The 6mmBR (and their relatives) is an awesome cartridge, and a fine deer killer at reasonable distances, but wouldn't feed from the magazine very well.

Back to barrel life for a moment. In this sport, barrels are the least of my concerns. Bullets are used once, powder and primers only once, brass can be used several times. Consider how inexpensive a barrel really is for what it does.
Scott

 

[cmillard]

once you find what load your barrel likes in .243 AI, you won't have that many rounds left (500-600) to fire before your throat starts advancing forward. you will be rebarreling more than you care to do. I think you are asking a lot out of one rifle. why not do two rifles for the different purposes you will be shooting. keep the .243 savage for your deer hunting and build a 6BR or an Improved version on a custom receiver with a premium barrel in a moderately fast twist--this you could use on varmint and target.

 

[DOGCAPPER]

Get what you want........If its not satisfactory get something else next round...You wont have to wait long....Go getem....LT

 

[IDuraCoat29483]

Well that is a good point on the barrel, and just keeping this beast going is what will cost the most. I am not talking about going P Dog hunting everyday, maybe once a a year if that, and i dont know how many shots i will take. I do have a healthy understanding that the first part of the new round will be figuring out what powder/bullet combo it likes, then going from there. i have considered taking my rem m700 that i got last year in .223 and making that a custom gun too, but i think its a short action, so that somewhat limits what rounds i can chamber

 

[MarkS]

IDuraCoat29483,

you need 2 barrels. Get you a 6BR for everyday, then you can pick up a new take off barrel in what deer cal you want. I got a blue 243 barrel for $50 for Stockard gun works. You can change barrels as you need.

The 6Br is a great round, but may be a little light for deer. I have killed deer with 6BR, but I pick my shots.

Mark Schronce

 

[chino1969]

Well I have both with several different barrels for each. The 6mmBR is definitely more accurate, easier on the barrel, etc. A .243 A.I. is less accurate and harder on barrel life but don't let that deter you. Barrels wear out and can be replaced.

Lou Baccino

 

[IDuraCoat29483]

Now when we talk about the accuarcy of the rounds, are we talking like 3 shots in one hole for the 6mmBR vs a .5-to-.25 MOA grouping for the 243AI at 100yrds?

 

[LWolken]

I have both a 6mmbr and two 243AI's. The 6BR is very easy to load for and last a long time probably twice as long as a 243AI. One of my 243AI's has a hart barrel with over 2500rds down it and it still shoots under 2 inches at 300yds. Its funny how every post that says "I shot out a 243win barrel in 700rds" also says they have a bore scope! I would be horrified if I looked down my barrel but thats just it I don't care how it looks I care how it shoots! The way I'd approach your delima is how many shots fired per year? How long do you want to go between re-barrel jobs? If your going PD shooting once per year take you 223 for the close up stuff and build a 243 for the long stuff and windy days.

Lance