243 for long range

[handirifle]

I doubt I will hunt with it, but would like to shoot long range with a 243. I have a Savage 12, that is currently a 223, but i will swap that out to a 243.

I am thinking a 1-8 twist bull barrel in the 26" length, and would like to use bullets in the 105 to 115gr range. I read on Midway's write up on the Berger 115, it requires a 1-7 twist.

Any recommendations on length, twist, and bullets is appreciated. This will be a slow project due to limited funds, so progress reports might be weeks or months apart.

[azsugarbear]

I have a Rem model 7 in 243. It has a Brux barrel with 1-in-8 twist. Currently shooting 105 gr. Bergers. Due to stock and optics on the rifle, I consider it more of a mid-range rifle - good out to about 700-800 yds. Bullet effective to much further out. It was built as a lightweight, mountain carry rifle for deer, sheep and antelope.

[LeonJ71]

Theres a video on youtube where a guy is using a .243 shooting steel at 1021 yards.

[handirifle]

In an effort to explore all options, in the beginning, I have a Savage 243, with factory 22" tube, with 1-9.25 (I think that's Savage factory twist) and am wondering if anyone has used this with a Berger Hunting 95gr VLD.

Midway's write up says 1-9 twist. Will the .25 make a difference? I will be building this on a budget (retired, fixed income type of thing), so I might start out with the factory barrel and build as I go.

I am thinking more conservatively, cost and carry, on a 24" varmint/heavy varmint weight barrel, 1-8 twist, but it will depend on funding. I do not want to build something I cannot carry a mile or few (thus the reason for the shorter/lighter barrel).

[sendero72]

I think Berger says a 1-10 twist for the 95gr.

[azsugarbear]

Just remember that the suggested twist rate is usually an average weight for all 6mm calibers. If you have a rifle caliber that is at the higher end of the velocity charts (such as the .243) you can often make up for a slightly slower twist rate.

For example, a .308 with a 1-in-12 twist may not stabilize a 200 gr. bullet. But a 300 RUM shooting that same bullet, but 500 fps faster, may be able to stabilize it with a 1-in12 twist.

[handirifle]

Originally Posted by sendero72

I think Berger says a 1-10 twist for the 95gr.

Ha, you are right for the 95gr classic Hunter, but I was looking at the VLD. It says 9 or better.