So I just bought a r700 in .308, but ammo is almost impossible to find right now unless I feel like paying $2.50 a round on gunbroker. I see 243 in stock almost everywhere around here. For a bench gun, would it be worth picking up a 243 bolt gun? Whats the recoil like?
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Tell me about .243 Win
- Thread starter Truth223
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Re: Tell me about .243 Win
X2 what he said. Find something slightly faster than a 1:9 twist and you'll be flinging 105 pills with authority.
X2 what he said. Find something slightly faster than a 1:9 twist and you'll be flinging 105 pills with authority.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
Read this. You can find an entire section on it at www.6mmbr.com.
.243 Win For Tactical Comps We asked GA Precision's George Gardner why he chose .243 Winchester for his Tactical Comp Gun. He replied, "Why would I run anything else? Think about it. I'm sending a .585 BC 115 at 3150 fps--that'll shoot inside the 6XC and .260 Rem with ease. I'm pretty sure I have found the Holy Grail of Comp Rifles. There are no brass issues like you can get forming .260 brass. I don't have to worry about doughnuts, reaming necks--none of that. And the choice in brass is great too--run Lapua if you want max reloads and great accuracy. Run Winchester if you're on a budget, and so you won't cry if you lose some cases in a match. I can get 10-round mags, and feeding is 100% reliable, since the case is identical to a .308 except for the neck. Accuracy-wise, I don't think I'm giving up anything to the .260 Rem or the 6XC." We then asked George if he'd considered using a .243 AI instead: "Yeah, the cases look cool with that 40° shoulder, but I think the standard .243 feeds a little better. And I don't think I really need the extra performance of an improved case. Run the ballistics for my load--115 moly DTAC at 3150 fps. You've got less windage than a 2950 fps 6.5-284, with cheaper brass, cheaper dies, cheaper bullets, and less recoil."
Read this. You can find an entire section on it at www.6mmbr.com.
.243 Win For Tactical Comps We asked GA Precision's George Gardner why he chose .243 Winchester for his Tactical Comp Gun. He replied, "Why would I run anything else? Think about it. I'm sending a .585 BC 115 at 3150 fps--that'll shoot inside the 6XC and .260 Rem with ease. I'm pretty sure I have found the Holy Grail of Comp Rifles. There are no brass issues like you can get forming .260 brass. I don't have to worry about doughnuts, reaming necks--none of that. And the choice in brass is great too--run Lapua if you want max reloads and great accuracy. Run Winchester if you're on a budget, and so you won't cry if you lose some cases in a match. I can get 10-round mags, and feeding is 100% reliable, since the case is identical to a .308 except for the neck. Accuracy-wise, I don't think I'm giving up anything to the .260 Rem or the 6XC." We then asked George if he'd considered using a .243 AI instead: "Yeah, the cases look cool with that 40° shoulder, but I think the standard .243 feeds a little better. And I don't think I really need the extra performance of an improved case. Run the ballistics for my load--115 moly DTAC at 3150 fps. You've got less windage than a 2950 fps 6.5-284, with cheaper brass, cheaper dies, cheaper bullets, and less recoil."
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
The 243 is my friend. My factory barrel was a 9 1/8 Remington, shot the 105 a-max lights out. I think i got around 3000-3500 rounds out of it before i replaced him. Get yourself a 243, it will be your new favorite.
The 243 is my friend. My factory barrel was a 9 1/8 Remington, shot the 105 a-max lights out. I think i got around 3000-3500 rounds out of it before i replaced him. Get yourself a 243, it will be your new favorite.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
For me I dont like the reduced splash at long range.
Its a great flat shooting cartridge, I think in the payload dept the 6.5's have it whipped
For me I dont like the reduced splash at long range.
Its a great flat shooting cartridge, I think in the payload dept the 6.5's have it whipped
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
My main rifle is a 243, and I would not imagine shooting anything else. Recoil is not a factor, ball is cheaper than 30 cal., and its good for varmints to deer.
My main rifle is a 243, and I would not imagine shooting anything else. Recoil is not a factor, ball is cheaper than 30 cal., and its good for varmints to deer.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
I love mine like everyone else said I shoot it more than my .260 or .308
I love mine like everyone else said I shoot it more than my .260 or .308
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
My 260 comp gun needs rebarreling. Im switching to 243. I agree with George's quote completely. U won't get the barrel life. Probably biggest downside to 243.
My 260 comp gun needs rebarreling. Im switching to 243. I agree with George's quote completely. U won't get the barrel life. Probably biggest downside to 243.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
The plus side is you get a very flat shooting round with a wide variety of bullets with great BC's, My hunting rounds with 80gr. TTSX's are getting 3330fps out of a 24" barrel, its a laser out to 400 yards.
The plus side is you get a very flat shooting round with a wide variety of bullets with great BC's, My hunting rounds with 80gr. TTSX's are getting 3330fps out of a 24" barrel, its a laser out to 400 yards.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
The biggest bummer about 243, to me, is the weak splash you get when you miss, and lack of "thwack" on hard targets - especially the ones that need to move, like flashers.
Still, it's a great cartridge.
The biggest bummer about 243, to me, is the weak splash you get when you miss, and lack of "thwack" on hard targets - especially the ones that need to move, like flashers.
Still, it's a great cartridge.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
Im thinking of picking up a savage stevens model 200 in .223 or .243, mount up a scope and just shoot it. Like I said I have my aac-sd to throw parts at, Im just looking for something to shoot that I can find ammo for.
Im thinking of picking up a savage stevens model 200 in .223 or .243, mount up a scope and just shoot it. Like I said I have my aac-sd to throw parts at, Im just looking for something to shoot that I can find ammo for.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mattm0812</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only reason I haven't used it is because of the barrel life. I believe the average is 2k.</div></div>
that depends on how you treat your barrel, i am on my second barrel and my first one only lasted 1200 rounds. ( i did beat on it)
To the OP, are you a hand loader? as decent factory target ammo is not out there depending on how far you intend to shoot.
I took mine out to 1270 just yesterday and the wind does tricky things out there. my verticle spread was about 10" but the lateral from wind was poor 5 gusting to 15. but out to 1000 yards it shoots great with excelent hand loads with premium bullets.
as for recoil, I run a VAIS break just for shits and gigs, and it literaly feels like shooting a 22lr.
heres a few group pics at 600 yards... http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3800789
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mattm0812</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only reason I haven't used it is because of the barrel life. I believe the average is 2k.</div></div>
that depends on how you treat your barrel, i am on my second barrel and my first one only lasted 1200 rounds. ( i did beat on it)
To the OP, are you a hand loader? as decent factory target ammo is not out there depending on how far you intend to shoot.
I took mine out to 1270 just yesterday and the wind does tricky things out there. my verticle spread was about 10" but the lateral from wind was poor 5 gusting to 15. but out to 1000 yards it shoots great with excelent hand loads with premium bullets.
as for recoil, I run a VAIS break just for shits and gigs, and it literaly feels like shooting a 22lr.
heres a few group pics at 600 yards... http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3800789
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
You won't regret getting a 243. Factory ammo is cheap and if you reload the effective range can be doubled for energy.
You won't regret getting a 243. Factory ammo is cheap and if you reload the effective range can be doubled for energy.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
I dont want to hijack the thread but im starting a 243 build myself and was woundering if 20" is to short for a barrel length.
I dont want to hijack the thread but im starting a 243 build myself and was woundering if 20" is to short for a barrel length.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
No, it's fine. Modern powders will sufficiently burn in 20"... you'll see slower fps than a 26" barrel, but still just fine.
No, it's fine. Modern powders will sufficiently burn in 20"... you'll see slower fps than a 26" barrel, but still just fine.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
I shot a .243 in a competition for a little while. Loved it, shooting a heavy A.I. with a 26" barrel and a brake. Recoil was non existent and follow up shots, who needed them except when you had to knock down a target to count. It just didnt have the ass behind it to get the job done. Awesome caliber still one of my favorites but with the .260 getting the 130 berger vlds and some others to hover the 3000fps range its very flat shooting as well.
Hunting rifle, outside of the woods is an awesome rifle.
I shot a .243 in a competition for a little while. Loved it, shooting a heavy A.I. with a 26" barrel and a brake. Recoil was non existent and follow up shots, who needed them except when you had to knock down a target to count. It just didnt have the ass behind it to get the job done. Awesome caliber still one of my favorites but with the .260 getting the 130 berger vlds and some others to hover the 3000fps range its very flat shooting as well.
Hunting rifle, outside of the woods is an awesome rifle.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
I've been considering this road as well; do any of you shoot yours suppressed? If so, what can and how does it perform? I have a YHM .308 can and hopfully one day my ARK30 will show up. Wondering if either of those would fit the bill on a gun like this. Just cant come to grips with not shooting suppressed. Thanks.
Sorry, I didnt mean to hijack the thread. Just wondering while we are on the .243 topic.
I've been considering this road as well; do any of you shoot yours suppressed? If so, what can and how does it perform? I have a YHM .308 can and hopfully one day my ARK30 will show up. Wondering if either of those would fit the bill on a gun like this. Just cant come to grips with not shooting suppressed. Thanks.
Sorry, I didnt mean to hijack the thread. Just wondering while we are on the .243 topic.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
I have hunted white tail with a 243 for 28 years and have never once wished I had more bullet. But I have selected a more potent caliber when I knew I may take a long shot at a larger animal. The reason gun manufacturers chamber their youth models in 243 is because of the mild recoil. And it's the same reason that when introducing kids and women to riflery I would graduate them from 22lr to 243.
To the guy who said something about it being great "outside" of the woods, if you meant it's not great in brush I beg to differ. In college I read an article about how twist rate and velocity had more positive effect on stabilization when encountering leaves and twigs than did bullet weight. I engaged a physics professor to answer the question, at first we ran the numbers and in theory it was true. Theory said that smaller, faster twisting, higher velocity would do better than larger, slower twisting, lower velocity. Then we did some real world experimentation. We set up twigs, leaves, wooden dowels... and had down range backing of poster board (for close range) and bed sheets (for longer range) to follow the bullet path. I don't recall all the rounds we compared, but it did include 243, 44mag, 30-30, 7mm-08, 30-06, and 300WM. The faster the spin and velocity the less it deflected. What I do remember very clearly is that the 44mag and 30-30, which has the reputation of being a "brush gun", fared the worst by far. We're not talking about smashing through a tree, which is more a function of momentum (mass x velocity) and bullet construction, but rather nicking an object and then remaining relatively stable enough to continue on along the original flight path.
Get that 243.
I have hunted white tail with a 243 for 28 years and have never once wished I had more bullet. But I have selected a more potent caliber when I knew I may take a long shot at a larger animal. The reason gun manufacturers chamber their youth models in 243 is because of the mild recoil. And it's the same reason that when introducing kids and women to riflery I would graduate them from 22lr to 243.
To the guy who said something about it being great "outside" of the woods, if you meant it's not great in brush I beg to differ. In college I read an article about how twist rate and velocity had more positive effect on stabilization when encountering leaves and twigs than did bullet weight. I engaged a physics professor to answer the question, at first we ran the numbers and in theory it was true. Theory said that smaller, faster twisting, higher velocity would do better than larger, slower twisting, lower velocity. Then we did some real world experimentation. We set up twigs, leaves, wooden dowels... and had down range backing of poster board (for close range) and bed sheets (for longer range) to follow the bullet path. I don't recall all the rounds we compared, but it did include 243, 44mag, 30-30, 7mm-08, 30-06, and 300WM. The faster the spin and velocity the less it deflected. What I do remember very clearly is that the 44mag and 30-30, which has the reputation of being a "brush gun", fared the worst by far. We're not talking about smashing through a tree, which is more a function of momentum (mass x velocity) and bullet construction, but rather nicking an object and then remaining relatively stable enough to continue on along the original flight path.
Get that 243.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
As for 308 ammo availability, it might be a bit slow but you can get very good loads from both Copper Creek and Southwest Ammunition. I have ordered from both in the last week. Their ammo is high quality and their prices are very good.
As for 308 ammo availability, it might be a bit slow but you can get very good loads from both Copper Creek and Southwest Ammunition. I have ordered from both in the last week. Their ammo is high quality and their prices are very good.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
I would not want to be hit by it at 1000 yds. I guess there may be some people in the afterlife that walk the earth aimlessly because some sniper with a piss ant .243 shot them.
I would not want to be hit by it at 1000 yds. I guess there may be some people in the afterlife that walk the earth aimlessly because some sniper with a piss ant .243 shot them.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
I have been running a 243 as my primary match rifle, chamber was cut for the TUBB DTACs. It is an amazing round, trajectory is side by side with the 300WM pushing 210s out to around 1200, and recoil is light. Similar to many like calibers (243, 260, etc) the true potential of the round can only be achieved with custom loads. There are many quality loads available for the 308 although ammo is scarce right now, but that goes for everything. If your looking for a caliber that is similar to the 243 and you plan on using factory ammo, the 6.5 Creedmore is one of the best choices IMO.
I have been running a 243 as my primary match rifle, chamber was cut for the TUBB DTACs. It is an amazing round, trajectory is side by side with the 300WM pushing 210s out to around 1200, and recoil is light. Similar to many like calibers (243, 260, etc) the true potential of the round can only be achieved with custom loads. There are many quality loads available for the 308 although ammo is scarce right now, but that goes for everything. If your looking for a caliber that is similar to the 243 and you plan on using factory ammo, the 6.5 Creedmore is one of the best choices IMO.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
I guess you would have to shoot them twice with .243 for them to be dead.
I guess you would have to shoot them twice with .243 for them to be dead.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ba_50</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I remember right, the .243 has about half the energy of a 30/06. </div></div>
At what range and with what load? Terminal ballistics vs ammo availability is a different discussion. A 30-06 is not the best option for a bench gun either, long action, much more recoil and not a lot of "match grade" ammo out there.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ba_50</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I remember right, the .243 has about half the energy of a 30/06. </div></div>
At what range and with what load? Terminal ballistics vs ammo availability is a different discussion. A 30-06 is not the best option for a bench gun either, long action, much more recoil and not a lot of "match grade" ammo out there.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
I have been running a .243 for a while now, and I wish I had gone this route a LONG time ago. With my shoulder injury, the .308 was getting to be more trouble than it was worth. I switched to .243 out of necessity.
Now, after having shot it, reloaded for it, tested tested tested, I have come to absolutely love it. Super easy to load for, tons of different components to choose from, very light on the recoil aspect... what's not to love??
Prairie dogs really don't like me!! Match grade ammunition is readily available, and on par for pricing as about anything else out there. Hands down, my caliber of choice.
DK
I have been running a .243 for a while now, and I wish I had gone this route a LONG time ago. With my shoulder injury, the .308 was getting to be more trouble than it was worth. I switched to .243 out of necessity.
Now, after having shot it, reloaded for it, tested tested tested, I have come to absolutely love it. Super easy to load for, tons of different components to choose from, very light on the recoil aspect... what's not to love??
Prairie dogs really don't like me!! Match grade ammunition is readily available, and on par for pricing as about anything else out there. Hands down, my caliber of choice.
DK
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: operator j</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I dont want to hijack the thread but im starting a 243 build myself and was woundering if 20" is to short for a barrel length.</div></div>
depends on what kind of velocities you want, i was able to push 105 bergers up to 3460 with my 28.5" but the accuracy wasnt there. the 105 accuracy settled around 3000fps, I would like to see if the 115's preform better faster.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bunnypunter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been considering this road as well; do any of you shoot your suppressed? If so, what can and how does it perform? I have a YHM .308 can and hopfully one day my ARK30 will show up. Wondering if either of those would fit the bill on a gun like this. Just cant come to grips with not shooting suppressed. Thanks.</div></div>
I have been meaning to mount up my SF 762FAK but have not tried it yet. will report back if i do.
Got to shoot mine sunday out to 1270, with 5-15mph winds my windage wasn't all that great but my verticle spread was about 10", also shot at 600, 800, 900, 1000, and 1100. about 10" group at 1000 in thoes winds.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: operator j</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I dont want to hijack the thread but im starting a 243 build myself and was woundering if 20" is to short for a barrel length.</div></div>
depends on what kind of velocities you want, i was able to push 105 bergers up to 3460 with my 28.5" but the accuracy wasnt there. the 105 accuracy settled around 3000fps, I would like to see if the 115's preform better faster.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bunnypunter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been considering this road as well; do any of you shoot your suppressed? If so, what can and how does it perform? I have a YHM .308 can and hopfully one day my ARK30 will show up. Wondering if either of those would fit the bill on a gun like this. Just cant come to grips with not shooting suppressed. Thanks.</div></div>
I have been meaning to mount up my SF 762FAK but have not tried it yet. will report back if i do.
Got to shoot mine sunday out to 1270, with 5-15mph winds my windage wasn't all that great but my verticle spread was about 10", also shot at 600, 800, 900, 1000, and 1100. about 10" group at 1000 in thoes winds.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MaxnMoses</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As for 308 ammo availability, it might be a bit slow but you can get very good loads from both Copper Creek and Southwest Ammunition. I have ordered from both in the last week. Their ammo is high quality and their prices are very good. </div></div>
I have an order in with southwest, but I need something to tide me over until they decide to ship it. I understand everything is crazy right now, but I just forgot about SW's order and Il just be surprised when it gets here.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MaxnMoses</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As for 308 ammo availability, it might be a bit slow but you can get very good loads from both Copper Creek and Southwest Ammunition. I have ordered from both in the last week. Their ammo is high quality and their prices are very good. </div></div>
I have an order in with southwest, but I need something to tide me over until they decide to ship it. I understand everything is crazy right now, but I just forgot about SW's order and Il just be surprised when it gets here.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JWP6114</div><div class="ubbcode-body">thats sick zmann, any group pics further out? </div></div>
5 shot group? (left side of plate) at 350 yards... If memory serves me correct.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JWP6114</div><div class="ubbcode-body">thats sick zmann, any group pics further out? </div></div>
5 shot group? (left side of plate) at 350 yards... If memory serves me correct.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
I have killed plenty critters with 243, shooting 85 grain TSX for the tougher ones out of a 1 in 10 twist, and ALL of them out a 1 in 8 twist shooting 115 DTAC's. Yes they are target bullets, not hunting bullets, but placement matters much more than what KIND of bullet it is.
FWIW, the 1/10 twist did not shoot the 115's at all, very sideways into the paper at 100 yards, about 10" pattern, good for a shotgun, not so much for precision rifle.
If you go faster than about 3200-ish in a sub 8 twist barrel, some of your bullets won't make it to 100 yards. Have a friend who went 7.5/1, and gets carried away with the 4350. Now he has a rifle that he doesn't shoot as much as he should.
Worst (gun) mistake I ever made, I took a great old school 700BDL Youth Model, nice wood, in 243, and made it into a 308 big boy rifle, around 5.5 pounds. Kicks like a MF, even with brake. Not fun anymore, and now have to build a new something for the 3 yr old when she gets bigger. Maybe just rebarrel the light gun and cut down the stock.
Get one, shoot it, have fun, simple.
I have killed plenty critters with 243, shooting 85 grain TSX for the tougher ones out of a 1 in 10 twist, and ALL of them out a 1 in 8 twist shooting 115 DTAC's. Yes they are target bullets, not hunting bullets, but placement matters much more than what KIND of bullet it is.
FWIW, the 1/10 twist did not shoot the 115's at all, very sideways into the paper at 100 yards, about 10" pattern, good for a shotgun, not so much for precision rifle.
If you go faster than about 3200-ish in a sub 8 twist barrel, some of your bullets won't make it to 100 yards. Have a friend who went 7.5/1, and gets carried away with the 4350. Now he has a rifle that he doesn't shoot as much as he should.
Worst (gun) mistake I ever made, I took a great old school 700BDL Youth Model, nice wood, in 243, and made it into a 308 big boy rifle, around 5.5 pounds. Kicks like a MF, even with brake. Not fun anymore, and now have to build a new something for the 3 yr old when she gets bigger. Maybe just rebarrel the light gun and cut down the stock.
Get one, shoot it, have fun, simple.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
Would it be safe to say that with a 8 twist barrel you could go down to 80 grain bullets and they shoot well? I am sending some stuff out to Moon with a 8 twist barrel and will be shooting the 105ish range bullets to varmint hunt.
Would it be safe to say that with a 8 twist barrel you could go down to 80 grain bullets and they shoot well? I am sending some stuff out to Moon with a 8 twist barrel and will be shooting the 105ish range bullets to varmint hunt.
Re: Tell me about .243 Win
going to SD to blow up prarie dogs in may if anyone else wants to go, i had my smith head space a couple factory 9&1/8 twist bbls for varmint in may. dont want to smoke my kreiger,
87gn and up should stay together
going to SD to blow up prarie dogs in may if anyone else wants to go, i had my smith head space a couple factory 9&1/8 twist bbls for varmint in may. dont want to smoke my kreiger,
87gn and up should stay together
