- Joined
- May 2, 2001
- Messages
- 7,485
Guys--
I have a short action M700 ADL I'm considering building a walking varminter and light deer rifle on. I am thing of going with the .243 Ack. and am looking for honest opinions from those who have actually had one. I love my .280 Ack. and want to build a lighter version for predator calling and walking varmint shoots. Here's the setup:
24" Pac-Nor SS Super Match, Fluted, #5 taper, 1:10" Twist Barrel
H&S Pro Series Sporter Stock, Opened to fit the #5 taper.
Leupold Vari-XIII 4.5-14x50 AO w/ Premier installed target knobs in Burris Signature Zee Rings/ Leupold QRW bases.
Jewell trigger
I want to shoot bullets in the 70-95 gr range, depending on the quarry. I am still undecided on a tight neck, but since I will be hunting with it, I am leaning away from it.
What is the consensus? Does it sound like a winner to anybody?
posted April 15, 2001 10:09 PM
Fergus Bailey
Member
From: Australia
Registered: April 12, 2001
Posts: 11
Having played around with a couple number of 6mm's, I am coming to the conclusion that the .243 AI is one of the best available. When my 6/284 barrel gives up, I doubt I will use a 6mm case bigger than a 6BR or .243 AI. Anyhow, in response to your question, if it were me building it I'd make just a few changes, though none of them are major departures from what you had in mind:
Barrel length would be 26" – may as well take advantage of the extra vel and this is not the rifle I'd be using for hunting cover so the extra couple of inches should not get in the way.
Barrel twist – The 1/10" is correct for the bullet weights you listed, but you might want to consider a 1/8" so you have the option to use heavier bullets such as the 107 Sierra or the 105 Lapua. I have had very good success with the 105 Lapua on varmints at long range and on the one fallow deer I have shot with the 6/284.
I'd probably use Davidson scope bases and Kelby rings, a 6.5-20 scope and a no 6 or 7 profile, but none of those are major points.
Fergus
http://www.angelfire.com/ab/fergus
posted April 16, 2001 09:29 PM
Chris Jamison
Member
From: Memphis, TN, USA
Registered: April 14, 2001
Posts: 5
.243 AI
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for the reply, Fergus. I recieved my dies from Sinclair on Friday. I sent the action to Pac-Nor on Wednesday with a Tubb recoil lug. Now all I have to do is wait about 2 months. HA HA. I already have 100 Lapua Brass ready for fireforming. I just need some cheap bullets for the job. I decided to go with my original plan since this gunwill be used on calling sets for coyotesand also in a deer stand. 26" is a little long for swinging around in a climbing stand. I still have to decide on a stock. I'm leaning toward an H&S, but not sure. Those black and grey laminates really look good. Oh well I've got 2 months to decide.....................
posted April 24, 2001 05:34 PM
I have a short action M700 ADL I'm considering building a walking varminter and light deer rifle on. I am thing of going with the .243 Ack. and am looking for honest opinions from those who have actually had one. I love my .280 Ack. and want to build a lighter version for predator calling and walking varmint shoots. Here's the setup:
24" Pac-Nor SS Super Match, Fluted, #5 taper, 1:10" Twist Barrel
H&S Pro Series Sporter Stock, Opened to fit the #5 taper.
Leupold Vari-XIII 4.5-14x50 AO w/ Premier installed target knobs in Burris Signature Zee Rings/ Leupold QRW bases.
Jewell trigger
I want to shoot bullets in the 70-95 gr range, depending on the quarry. I am still undecided on a tight neck, but since I will be hunting with it, I am leaning away from it.
What is the consensus? Does it sound like a winner to anybody?
posted April 15, 2001 10:09 PM
Fergus Bailey
Member
From: Australia
Registered: April 12, 2001
Posts: 11
Having played around with a couple number of 6mm's, I am coming to the conclusion that the .243 AI is one of the best available. When my 6/284 barrel gives up, I doubt I will use a 6mm case bigger than a 6BR or .243 AI. Anyhow, in response to your question, if it were me building it I'd make just a few changes, though none of them are major departures from what you had in mind:
Barrel length would be 26" – may as well take advantage of the extra vel and this is not the rifle I'd be using for hunting cover so the extra couple of inches should not get in the way.
Barrel twist – The 1/10" is correct for the bullet weights you listed, but you might want to consider a 1/8" so you have the option to use heavier bullets such as the 107 Sierra or the 105 Lapua. I have had very good success with the 105 Lapua on varmints at long range and on the one fallow deer I have shot with the 6/284.
I'd probably use Davidson scope bases and Kelby rings, a 6.5-20 scope and a no 6 or 7 profile, but none of those are major points.
Fergus
http://www.angelfire.com/ab/fergus
posted April 16, 2001 09:29 PM
Chris Jamison
Member
From: Memphis, TN, USA
Registered: April 14, 2001
Posts: 5
.243 AI
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for the reply, Fergus. I recieved my dies from Sinclair on Friday. I sent the action to Pac-Nor on Wednesday with a Tubb recoil lug. Now all I have to do is wait about 2 months. HA HA. I already have 100 Lapua Brass ready for fireforming. I just need some cheap bullets for the job. I decided to go with my original plan since this gunwill be used on calling sets for coyotesand also in a deer stand. 26" is a little long for swinging around in a climbing stand. I still have to decide on a stock. I'm leaning toward an H&S, but not sure. Those black and grey laminates really look good. Oh well I've got 2 months to decide.....................
posted April 24, 2001 05:34 PM
