What does barrel length and thickness bring to the table in .243?

[jonsidneyb]

I was looking at a 22 inch sporter barreled gun in .243 but am starting to think about a 26 inch heavy barreled .243.

The gun is almost 2 pounds heavier. What does this longer and thicker barrel bring to the table in .243.

9.25 twist in either barrel. Would like to use 105 A Max

 

[jonsidneyb]

I do know I am going to have more velocity with the longer barrel but I have no idea how much of a gain and if it is worth it.

The big issue is change in accuracy for the added weight. I know the thicker barrel is stiffer but it is also longer. Will the extra thickness make up for the added length in terms of stiffness.

 

[CPorter]

If you are going to shoot a lot in one sitting the extra barrel weight helps keep it from warping as bad with the heat. The smaller barrels are better for lugging around in a field but heat up faster. The heavier barrels are stiffer too and don't whip as much when the bullet exits the muzzle.

Both might fire the 105 Amax ok. Mine didn't and you could see a noticeable yaw in the holes on the target.

 

[beartrack]

I think it would be very unusual for that twist to consistently stablize that AMAX bullet. You need to go to a 1-8". That twist will also do fine with lighter bullets.

 

[Rob01]

Hornady recommends a 9 twist for the 105 AMAX but alot of people I have talked to who have shot it in the popular factory twist of 9.25" say it works well.

If you plan on using that bullet go with the longer barrel as if you can get more velocity it might help the stabilization. Sometimes a little more speed helps when the twist is on the fence.

 

[mikecr]

The twist will be totally fine.
The 26" barrel length,atleast) would be all but required for a 243 in my view. It's just too much capacity to burn any shorter.

At 22" you'd have very high muzzle pressures as quite a bit of your powder would combust there,instead of in the barrel). This would play havoc on bullet release and hurt accuracy.

But if your carrying the gun, and only shoot off hand at game within a few hundred yards, might as well go 22".

 

[Dgd6mm]

My brother bought a .243 Savage hunting rifle,I built 105 a-maxes for it.After proper break -in we sighted it in at 200 yards then took it to 600 yards. It did verywell, he was shooting a spring loaded metal prarie dog. He was knocking the tar out of it 1-2 out of 3 shots consistantly. 22 inch sporter barrel with a 9.25 twist.