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]

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.

 

[handirifle]

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.

Yea I was aware of that, I just hate to be on the minimum of twist, I think it might keep the bullet from being stable when the yardages get long. I think!

 

[Mxracer532]

I have a Rem700 switch barrel gun built by Gordy Gritters using the factory Rem barrel and I shoot the 95gn Berger VLD's and out to 750 yards its good!

 

[handirifle]

I have a Rem700 switch barrel gun built by Gordy Gritters using the factory Rem barrel and I shoot the 95gn Berger VLD's and out to 750 yards its good!

What's the twist rate of that barrel?

 

[land308]

The 105 amax shoots well out of my stock savage 12fv 243 win. 26" 9.25 twist( i think) I shoot steel at 900 with no problems. 3023 fps

 

[handirifle]

The 105 amax shoots well out of my stock savage 12fv 243 win. 26" 9.25 twist( i think) I shoot steel at 900 with no problems. 3023 fps

OK thanks, that is good to know. unfortunately, i just passed up a deal on just such a barrel, looking for an 8 twist. The 8 will give me more bullet options I think, based on the factories recommendations.

I imagine I could expect about 100fps below that in my sporter 22".

 

[Beelzebub]

I'm new here so tkae things I say with a grain of salt. I've been reloading for 30 years, BUT not for loads past 400 yards.

I too am a tight group enthusiast. I have a 26" 700 varmit gun with 9 1/8 twist and it really does well with 105 AMAX'z and Speer 85 BTSP's. The 105's on top of some 7828 commonly will group under three inches at 400 yards. Can consistantly hit the orange clay pigeons at 400. Last time I shot it with the 85's I had three overlapping splatters at 305 yards.

I just bought a used VTR in 243. I cleaned the bbl prettty well and it looks good to me. I shot some fast little 58's in it several days ago and they grouped well and am sure some tuning and they would shoot better. However, the VTR with the same twist as the varmit sure didn't like the 105 AMAX's.

I'm retired like many of you. Half way disabled but still have heart and drive. I can easily shoot 800+ yards down a road out back. It I get up in the bed of the truck maybe 1000. I'm really itching to give it a try. I bought several hundred Sierra 107 Match 107 HPBT's but haven't loaded one round for them yet.

Money is good, but if you can't find primers, powder or bullets it doesn't matter. So I'm just gonna ask right out if any of you have done much distance over 400 with the 700's and 9 1/8 twist. If so, "can I copy your home work"? Just some where to start. I'll shoot a 58 grain at 1000 if it will hit where I want it to. Never have shot any VLD's but that's about all you can fine in stock any more.

Would any of you veteran's of LDR thrown and old guy a bone?

Thanks in avance for any help given,
Beelzebub

 

[roninflag]

Beel- i shot in a 1000 yard match some time back with my 700 .243 with a hart 12 twist. and won. i was shooting 88 grain bergers. handi- if you go 6mmbr there is more info on the .243