My .243AI Build Sheet

[Rinky]

Okay so I am planning to build my first fully built up Remington 700.

It will primarily be used for calling coyotes, shooting prairie dogs at long range and antelope hunting in the fall.

I plan to also use it for a few shoots this summer HOPEFULLY.

So here goes:

Remington 700 short action, trued. Enlarged bolt knob.
Badger or CDI bottom metal with AICS mags.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Trigger (unsure on)</span>
Mcmillan A4 stock, bedded.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Barrel (unsure on)</span>
Nightforce 1 piece base.
Leupold mark 4 rings.
Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 6.5-20x50 scope. TMR reticle, M1 Turrets.


For the barrel I am leaning toward a fairly straight taper barrel, I plan to shoot Berger 105gr VLD bullets so the twist will be 1 in 8 or faster. But the brand is something I am completely unsure of. Krieger, Lilja, Hart, Rock, theres so many. Any help and opinions would be greatly appreciated. Also I dont want to wait 8 months for a barrel that is performance wise no better then the others that would be a 2 month wait for example.

The trigger is also something I am a bit unsure of as well. Jewell, timney, a couple others. I like Jewells offering 1.5oz-3# trigger. I plan to have it at around 2.5# WITH a safety.

Weight isn't an issue really, I carry my 12# sendero in the mountains each year. Cheers to still being young.

Let me know what you all think!

 

[OK243]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

You are probably going to want the feed ramp opened up and run the alpha type 2 mags. This will allow you to seat the bullets to the lands and still mag feed.
Oh, Jewell and Krieger

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: John2247</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You are probably going to want the feed ramp opened up and run the alpha type 2 mags. This will allow you to seat the bullets to the lands and still mag feed.
Oh, Jewell and Krieger </div></div>

Great info, thank you. Are the alpha type 2 mags still AICS mags or is Alpha the brand, I have never heard of them and I consider myself pretty well up to snuff.

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

Ok a quick google search found them for me. I see that they are now Alpha brand and I will be sure my gunsmith knows that I will be shooting LONG cartridges.

 

[OK243]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

Alpha is there own company. I bought mine from deadeye351 here on the hide. Look him up I bet he can get you fixed up. I recently put an M24 contour barrel on my 243 and got it from bugholes here on the hide as well. Both of these guys were very helpful and easy to work with, they will get you fixed up.

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

I am still waiting for my job to start turn around at the refinery, once that happens money will be flooding in because of all the extra hours and no time off for weeks at a time. Oh ya plus the tax return... Hah. But what length would you recommend for a .243 AI

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

I am leaning towards at LEAST 26" and I want to thread for a suppressor as well.

 

[AMMOWASTER]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

Dont go too heavy on the barrel. There is a reason so many people run varmint and light varmint profiles. The really heavy barrels can make a gun unwieldy and cubersome

 

[ranger1183]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

This Bartlein Barrel is one of the best on the market today. Buy THIS ONE before someone else does!

Also, just use a factory Remington trigger for now. They are as reliable as any you will pay hundreds of dollars for.

Bottom metal? Pacific Tool & Gauge has some of the best priced and reviewed BOTTOM METAL out there.

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AMMOWASTER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dont go too heavy on the barrel. There is a reason so many people run varmint and light varmint profiles. The really heavy barrels can make a gun unwieldy and cubersome </div></div>

What do you think of the barrel linked below from Grizzly Industrial? I like it alot. Would it be too heavy, it comes down to a 1"

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ranger1183</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This Bartlein Barrel is one of the best on the market today. Buy THIS ONE before someone else does!

Also, just use a factory Remington trigger for now. They are as reliable as any you will pay hundreds of dollars for.

Bottom metal? Pacific Tool & Gauge has some of the best priced and reviewed BOTTOM METAL out there.
</div></div>

I will most likely be using a basic rem 700 sps action so IDK about using that trigger for long... I love my sendero's xmark trigger though but if Im going to spend the money im not afraid to get a good trigger.

Also, I want to make sure my rifle is compliant for varmint shoot matches if I decide to participate, isnt there a regulation on straight tapers needing to be .940 or less at the crown?

Just want to clear that up before i bite on it.

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

And this image is stolen off the inter-webs but it is exactly how I want the rifle to be in the end. I am curious to what contour you all think this barrel is.

It looks a bit thin but still looks good.

 

[hba]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

I'm enjoying a .243 AI trued by Hart, Rem. 700 VLS stock, SS barrel by Hart and true as could be.. So my advise would be .... Hart

Enjoy!

Herman

 

[leadbullet]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

all the barrels brands you mentioned are top notch, buy whichever is in stock and cut down on your waiting. I had a 243 AI and burned to barrel n less that 1200 rds, just toomuch fun to stop shooting it cause the barrel is hot.
enjoy.

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm enjoying a .243 AI trued by Hart, Rem. 700 VLS stock, SS barrel by Hart and true as could be.. So my advise would be .... Hart

Enjoy!

Herman </div></div>

I was looking at them earlier. Going to be making phone calls tomorrow!

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: attherange</div><div class="ubbcode-body">all the barrels brands you mentioned are top notch, buy whichever is in stock and cut down on your waiting. I had a 243 AI and burned to barrel n less that 1200 rds, just toomuch fun to stop shooting it cause the barrel is hot.
enjoy. </div></div>

Ya I'm not a fan of waiting haha. I will be making sure I get ahold of several companies and we'll go from there. Then its on to the damn A4 stock... not an easy one to track down.

 

[6brshooter]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

Krieger has some 6 mm tight bore1-8 in stock. They are 29" blanks that measure1.2"@ breach and taper to .860"@ muzzle. I have a couple of real heavy barrels that measure 1" @ muzzle, they are 24",26",28". The 28" is fclass and useless in the field. The 26" is a factory savage lrp that is being replaced with a brux 1.12" tapering down to .850"@muzzle and 24" long. The 24"x1" is a remage barrel and it is tolerable. In other words if u want length/speed get a sendero or LV contour if shorty/suppressed is ur bag then go m40a3 contour

 

[Tim Neitzke]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

I like RVC , seems to be a good all around contour.
Like said eariler,you can find them online, bugholes (Greg Young) is a good place to look.

He did the barrel install on this 243AI for a friend of mine. I bought it slighty used and finishined it the way I wanted.

Brux,8T RVC @26"
Jewell
A-5
NF
Rem700 ofcoarse.

I've not been behind this rifle alot, but it seems to shoot well.
600 yards 5 shots 105 Amax.
2nd pic .... Same load only with 105VLDs.

 

[holy cow]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

I have been their and done that for years with the heavy contour barrels used on my hunting rifles. No more and not needed. When you start running those truck axels at those lenghts they are nose heavy and no fun to pack and hike with. If you are sitting at a bench or pulling off the road to set up and prairi dog shoot thats 1 thing. For the ackley 26" and no less and i am fond of the Sendero contour on anything and no bigger. I like a 22 or 24" 243 or 22-250 in a 8 twist on the HGT McMillan or the Manners MCS-T stock to pack and hunt with. Perfect setups and using a standard cartridge and no Ackley. For years i was on the Ackley kick and burning down time fire forming and prepping brass. Anymore i buy Lapua brass and just kiss it with a trimmer and chamfer the inside and outside, load it and run with it after finding my load. These 2 calibers are a breeze to load for and find a quick accurate load. I am young enough and in great shape to pack around the truck axels but it is just not needed and no fun. I feel you are not really gaining enough off the Ackley for what you want to do for packing it around and taking a few shots when presented. Just my thoughts and good luck with your build.

 

[my human host]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

Which varmint shoots are you talking about? You might want to check to make sure they aren't going by overall weight and not barrel contour.

I don't have a 243AI anymore, but I don't regret building the ones I used to have. The 243AI is a barrel burning mother f*cker and tons of fun.

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

Thank you all for the replies, krieger will be getting a call tomorrow morning!
A 26" .850" crown doesn't sound too bad. I've talked to my gunsmith and he said it would be good too. I want to have it fluted too but he said fluting an already manufactured barrel relieves tension on the bore. I wonder if krieger does it if that's the case...

I do plan to suppress it in the future when at the range or picking off prairie dogs. Maybe a few coyote set ups too. Curious to know how they react to a suppressed shot.

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shotgun4fur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like RVC , seems to be a good all around contour.
Like said eariler,you can find them online, bugholes (Greg Young) is a good place to look.

He did the barrel install on this 243AI for a friend of mine. I bought it slighty used and finishined it the way I wanted.

Brux,8T RVC @26"
Jewell
A-5
NF
Rem700 ofcoarse.

I've not been behind this rifle alot, but it seems to shoot well.
600 yards 5 shots 105 Amax.
2nd pic .... Same load only with 105VLDs.

</div></div>

That's a nice rig and nice groupings too.

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: my human host</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Which varmint shoots are you talking about? You might want to check to make sure they aren't going by overall weight and not barrel contour.

I don't have a 243AI anymore, but I don't regret building the ones I used to have. The 243AI is a barrel burning mother f*cker and tons of fun. </div></div>

I saw on one of the barrel makers websites saying some contours were too large for certain competitions. I know little of all the different competitions but id hate to be out of compliance if id decide to shoot when I'm not working you know?

Glad you like the caliber! I can't wait to squeeze the trigger.

 

[Tim Neitzke]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

Thanks .

I think when I cook the barrel, I may just try a 6x47L .

 

[Tim Neitzke]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

http://bugholes.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=88_89_96&product_id=107

Oops, you wanted fluted and this one will finish in the 24" area.
They can befound without the wait, if you wish.

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shotgun4fur</div><div class="ubbcode-body">http://bugholes.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=88_89_96&product_id=107

Oops, you wanted fluted and this one will finish in the 24" area.
They can befound without the wait, if you wish. </div></div>

I guess I don't know where to look other then the manufacturers website.

I like the varmint weight contour however!

 

[Jaxdialation]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

I went with a 28" Modified palma for my Krieger. I have just finished fire forming and I'm ready to do a load work up with my 7.5 barrel. I was sending DTACs at 3140 while fire forming. With a 28" barrel it is actually difficult to keep the velocity down

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rinky</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you all for the replies, krieger will be getting a call tomorrow morning!
A 26" .850" crown doesn't sound too bad. I've talked to my gunsmith and he said it would be good too. I want to have it fluted too but he said fluting an already manufactured barrel relieves tension on the bore. I wonder if krieger does it if that's the case...

I do plan to suppress it in the future when at the range or picking off prairie dogs. Maybe a few coyote set ups too. Curious to know how they react to a suppressed shot.

</div></div>

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

That is impressive, I like what I hear about the caliber.

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

What were the thoughts on fluting a barrel AFTER the has been finished?

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

Well I did it, bought myself a brux barrel, rvc, fluted already. 1 in 8 twist 29" overall length.

 

[6brshooter]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

Sounds good i have a couple brux's and they shoot awesome. If they were on a Remington instead of a savage they would get more love here lol. On ur question about flutes before or after barrel lapping, i prefer contour and fluting done before. On a cut rifled barrel less stress is induced during the rifling, compared to a button rifled barrel. Even so when the contour or fluting is done it removes metal in different amounts which will releive tension/stress that is stored in the barrel from rifling. When barrel makers contour or flute, it is done prior to bore lapping so that they control final internal dimensions with the lap bar.

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6brshooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sounds good i have a couple brux's and they shoot awesome. If they were on a Remington instead of a savage they would get more love here lol. On ur question about flutes before or after barrel lapping, i prefer contour and fluting done before. On a cut rifled barrel less stress is induced during the rifling, compared to a button rifled barrel. Even so when the contour or fluting is done it removes metal in different amounts which will releive tension/stress that is stored in the barrel from rifling. When barrel makers contour or flute, it is done prior to bore lapping so that they control final internal dimensions with the lap bar. </div></div>

That makes sense, it kinda seemed hard to believe because at times there can be a lot of superstition and conspiracy theory floating around for that extra .1MOA gain.

I cant wait to see what im getting in the mail since there was no picture online.

Im sure it resembles the factory remington sendero look almost to a T.

 

[Rinky]

Re: My .243AI Build Sheet

UPDATE: Well I switched and decided to go with a M24/M40 Contour Brux that will finish at 24".

ALSO! I was just snooping around on stockystocks and HOLY$&^% there it is. USMC McMillan A4 Rem 700 S/A M5 inlet M24/40 channel IN DESERT CAMO.

Damn did I luck out this morning...

 

[Rinky]

Well, its to the point now where I only need optics and the mounting hardware.

So, I am looking at the Vortex PST in 6-24x50. I really like the illumination and zero stop options for hunting at dusk/dawn and such.

But as the original post of mine says I was thinking Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 6.5-20x50.

I will mostly be shooting the 243AI under 1000yds and was curious if anyone thinks there will be much difference between the two under a grand.

My biggest question is whether the Leupold is worth 400$ more with less features and very similar glass?

 

[Rinky]

http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-viper-pst-6-24x50-ffp-riflescope.html

VS.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/leupold-mark-4-6-5-20x50mm-lr-t-m1-illuminated-reticle-rifle-scope.html

I know a lot of people have dealt with this dilemma.

 

[Rinky]

The end result.

Well here she is finally! Wasnt a cheap build by any means. Still needs a few things like a sling and data cards.

Edit! Forgot the Parts list!

Rem Action cut and trued with custom bolt handle
M40 Brux 1:8 @ 26" Threaded 5/8x24
Mcmillan A4 USMC spec in Digital Desert
Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP MOA
PTG Bottom Metal with Alpha type 2 mags.
Seekins 20 MOA Base
Seekins Medium Rings
Timney 510 set at 2#
Badger Bolt Knob
All metal work cerakoted FDE

 

[chopper duke]

Looks great man!! How you liking that Vortex?

Oh, and here's the picture made easier to see:

 

[Rinky]

Looks great man!! How you liking that Vortex?

Oh, and here's the picture made easier to see:

Hey thanks! Its come along well. I'm not sure what I think of the Vortex yet, haven't gotten it to the range yet... although that may happen tomorrow with barrel break in!

How'd you blow the picture up... I know there's a way just never been able to fiddle with it and get it right.

 

[S12A]

Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 6.5-20x50 scope. TMR reticle, M1 Turrets.

g'day,

mate , your build sounds nice but this part in particular is a bit off in my opinion.
nowadays most scope manufactures make scopes with matching turrets and reticles for example the Leupold MK4ERT with M5 Turrets and TMR is a MIL/MIL scope
if you want MOA turrets there are a lot of options with MOA turrets and an MOA reticle such as the Vortex PST and Nightforce amongst others.

i think you will really regret going down the mismatched turret and reticle path as it only leads to more math in the field and more chance of error. we were doing it wrong for years and now most scope manufacturers have it right so Take advantage of that!
if you are doing sums converting moa to mils or vice-versa in the field than you are compromising and some might even say doing it wrong.

cheers

AB

 

[TRTAC]

my 6.5 has a Pac Nor light palma cut to 26" and I think its just right. I have a 7 mag with a 28" tube thats 1" at the muzzle and its way too heavy to hunt with. If you want to hunt with this thing go lighter. Gonna sit and shoot go heavy. If it were my build, I would buy a Jewell and a barrel from bugholes cut 26" max. Whichever manufacture they have in stock is a winner cause they are all great barrel manufactures.

 

[S12A]

Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP MOA

Just read this , my apologies for jumping the gun.
you will be very very happy with the PST , i firmly believe mine shits all over my Mark 4 in all areas.

 

[Rinky]

S12A, yeah, so far I like it but I haven't even been out to the range with it.

Maybe today is the day though! I'm happy with my choice.


TRTAC, see post 36, I went with a Timney and m40 contour. It is a tank... weighs in at 15lbs ready to hunt but it is gonna be backpacked in my eberlestock until I get to a location to set up typically. The flush cups help with sling versatility too.

Other then that it will be a benchrest steel ringer and long distance prairie dog nightmare.

I know I could have gone lighter with a htg stock and light barrel but that isn't the picture I had in my head. If I wanted that I could simply just buy a typically savage long range hunter or simolar model.

I was going for the M40A3 look because its unique and proven to boot.

 

[chopper duke]

Hey thanks! Its come along well. I'm not sure what I think of the Vortex yet, haven't gotten it to the range yet... although that may happen tomorrow with barrel break in!

How'd you blow the picture up... I know there's a way just never been able to fiddle with it and get it right.

Once you've got the image uploaded, click on it to bring it up and then right click on it and open it in a new tab OR copy the address for the image. They generally end in .jpg so look for that. Then just out the img tags around it.