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 243 re-barrel?
#5711536
04/22/15 04:34 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,536
redchevy
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I have a savage 243 win. I think I am going to re-barrel it with a higher quality barrel. I want to keep it 243, but I like shooting the heavier end of the spectrum of bullets, pretty much 100 grains and up. I would like to try the 105/107's eventually. I currently have a 1:9.25 twist and am told it wont stabilize them. What would be a good twist that will stabilize the 100-115 grain bullets? Would it still shoot the shorter 50-70 grain bullets?
Also I am more concerned with velocity than the length of a rifle, im accustomed to a 26 inch barrel long action and it doesn't bother me, what would be a good length barrel to maximize the cartridge? Is 24" going to get me all its got? or would 26 be beneficial?
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: redchevy]
#5711561
04/22/15 04:48 PM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 313
Ritter
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
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I have seen Criterion barrels shoot very well on Savages and with a 1:8 twist it will stabilize a 105 grain bullet and still shoot a 70 grain bullet. . You can get higher velocity with a 26" barrel over a 24", usually around 50 - 80 fps depending on the powder used.
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: redchevy]
#5711570
04/22/15 04:50 PM
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Joined: Jul 2013
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Gone to Texas
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1-8 twist will be able to shoot those heavier bullets. As for the lighter ones, probably not. I wish my Remington had a 1-8 twist so I could shout the 105 Amax bullet. I think you could get away with the 87 grain v max bullet in a 1-8 twist if you want a varmint round.
As for the legnth I don't think there will be much difference between a 24 and 26 inch barrel but I don't know for sure.
Good barrel companies; CBI, Shilen, and for a solid cheaper offering Appache Gun Works.
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: redchevy]
#5711581
04/22/15 04:57 PM
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 525
6.5x47Lapua
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Have you guys tried to shoot the 105 amax in your factory barrels? You might be surprised.
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: 6.5x47Lapua]
#5711588
04/22/15 05:01 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,219
dee
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Have you guys tried to shoot the 105 amax in your factory barrels? You might be surprised. X2
"A vote is like a rifle; it's usefulness depends on the character of the user" Theodore Roosevelt
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: 6.5x47Lapua]
#5711591
04/22/15 05:03 PM
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Gone to Texas
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Have you guys tried to shoot the 105 amax in your factory barrels? You might be surprised. I haven't. Remington says they have a 1-9.25 twist like the Savage. I have heard some can stabilize the bullet and some can't. I am shooting 95 gr Berger hybrids right now and they shoot great.
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: 6.5x47Lapua]
#5711602
04/22/15 05:08 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,536
redchevy
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Have you guys tried to shoot the 105 amax in your factory barrels? You might be surprised. I have not yet.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: redchevy]
#5711615
04/22/15 05:14 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
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ChadTRG42
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The 6mm rounds have a large weight swing, and you kind of have to build the rifle on what you plan to use the most. If you were to build a 243, I wouldn't go slower than a 1:8" twist. This will let you shoot up to the 105 grain bullets very well. If you want to get up to the 115, you will need the 1:7" twist. But, the 105 Hybrid has a higher BC almost all (if not all) 6mm 115 grain bullets. So, I'd gear it towards the 105 Hybrid, which is a 1:8" twist.
The 55 grain bullets in a 1:8" will be interesting. You can easily vaporize these bullets at high speeds with the fast 8" twist barrel. So, you have to decide where you want to give up, or compromise. I'd forget about shooting the 55's and look into about the 70-80 grain bullets for the low end. The 87 grain VLD is a freakin' great bullet for the 243.
But I'd do an 8" twist and run the 105 Hybrids, if you plan to shoot any longer ranges. It is truly a wind and gravity cheating bullet at the 3000-3100+ speeds.
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#5711634
04/22/15 05:30 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,536
redchevy
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The 6mm rounds have a large weight swing, and you kind of have to build the rifle on what you plan to use the most. If you were to build a 243, I wouldn't go slower than a 1:8" twist. This will let you shoot up to the 105 grain bullets very well. If you want to get up to the 115, you will need the 1:7" twist. But, the 105 Hybrid has a higher BC almost all (if not all) 6mm 115 grain bullets. So, I'd gear it towards the 105 Hybrid, which is a 1:8" twist.
The 55 grain bullets in a 1:8" will be interesting. You can easily vaporize these bullets at high speeds with the fast 8" twist barrel. So, you have to decide where you want to give up, or compromise. I'd forget about shooting the 55's and look into about the 70-80 grain bullets for the low end. The 87 grain VLD is a freakin' great bullet for the 243.
But I'd do an 8" twist and run the 105 Hybrids, if you plan to shoot any longer ranges. It is truly a wind and gravity cheating bullet at the 3000-3100+ speeds. Thanks Chad, what are your thoughts regarding barrel length? a 26 doesn't bother me, but if it will have zero gain over a 24 I don't care to have it. Also I don't really care to shoot the 55 grain etc I was just curious if I would be able to. If the 1:8 would still be able to shoot the 75-80 grain on the light end that would be plenty for me as I will likely never go below 100 grain.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: redchevy]
#5711681
04/22/15 05:58 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
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ChadTRG42
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In a 243, you will gain about 30 fps per inch. So, 2" should yield you about 60 fps extra from a 24" to a 26" barrel. I also like long barrels for certain applications.
Could you shoot the really light bullets, yes. You would just have to dial them down some. But the 70 grain or heavier should do just fine in an 8" twist.
Most guys I know that run a 6mm are shooting a 6mm Creedmoor or 243 Win. They run the 105's anywhere from 2950 fps (on the slower side), to 3150 fps (on the fast side). Some shooting comps have a 3050 fps speed limit, so they keep their loads right below this mark. I have seen some 3150 fps with a 105. If you set it up right with a 26" barrel and used a slower powder, you should be able to get 3200 fps. That's fast! But, the price is less barrel life. Again, pick your compromise. IMO, if you plan to run the 105's, why not run them fast.
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: redchevy]
#5711687
04/22/15 06:06 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
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ChadTRG42
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Also, you'll want to be careful when you hot rod the 243. I've seen guys push their loads just before pressure signs and run that load. When the weather gets less desirable, like rain or moisture in the air, this previously max load is now over pressure. The 243 will quickly blow and pierce primers and have some over pressure issues very quickly. So, just keep this in mind.
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#5712039
04/22/15 09:37 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,163
J.G.
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Also, you'll want to be careful when you hot rod the 243. I've seen guys push their loads just before pressure signs and run that load. When the weather gets less desirable, like rain or moisture in the air, this previously max load is now over pressure. The 243 will quickly blow and pierce primers and have some over pressure issues very quickly. So, just keep this in mind. A 7mm-08 will do the same thing. 
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: redchevy]
#5712473
04/23/15 02:27 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Judd
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 @ JG Chad...Berger has started recommending a 7.5 twist of faster for the 105 hybrid. Litz says they can shoot in the slower twists but you have some BC degradation. I will say I have 3 different 6mm barrels that will flat shoot the 105 hybrid and all of the are 8.5 twists.
Don't let your ears hear what your eyes didn't see, and don't let your mouth say what your heart doesn't feel
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: redchevy]
#5712698
04/23/15 12:02 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
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dee
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My 6 creed will either be 8 or 7.5 twist depending on if the gunsmith still has a barrel on hand. He said the 8 twist is perfectly fine and had a Bartlien on hand otherwise a Krieger will be here fast.
"A vote is like a rifle; it's usefulness depends on the character of the user" Theodore Roosevelt
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: redchevy]
#5712719
04/23/15 12:13 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,536
redchevy
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What are yals opinions of McGowan barrels?
Who else makes a Savage "prefit" that I can screw on myself?
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: redchevy]
#5712730
04/23/15 12:23 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,219
dee
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McGowan are supposed to be pretty good. I think criterion makes prefits as well.
"A vote is like a rifle; it's usefulness depends on the character of the user" Theodore Roosevelt
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: redchevy]
#5712842
04/23/15 01:37 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,206
wp75169
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Shilen would be my choice on a prefit. There's some cheaper offerings from shaw but I'm not sure about their quality.
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: redchevy]
#5712869
04/23/15 01:55 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,536
redchevy
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Just in the research I have done McGowan shilen and criterion all seem to be around the same price point, shaw advertises some at significantly cheaper rates than their competition, kinda makes me iffy on them.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: Judd]
#5712875
04/23/15 01:59 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
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ChadTRG42
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@ JG Chad...Berger has started recommending a 7.5 twist of faster for the 105 hybrid. Litz says they can shoot in the slower twists but you have some BC degradation. I will say I have 3 different 6mm barrels that will flat shoot the 105 hybrid and all of the are 8.5 twists. Yes! On the 243, I'd lean towards more twist than less. Before the Berger bullets were in the picture, I loaded, had friends load, and customers shoot the 115 DTAC. The recommended twist for this bullet is 8". It will stabilize it, but you get the issue it not shooting good at 100, but shooting better and tighter at longer ranges. If you ran a 1:7" twist, the bullet would shoot better at 100 yards than with a 1:8" twsit. I knew several guys that their rifle would shoot 3/4" (inches) at 100, and shoot the same 3/4" (inches) group at 300 yards. I've seen it. I'm not a big fan of the 6mm, since I like bigger, heavier bullets. The 105 Hybrid is hard to see hits/misses at longer ranges (800 +). It's a flat shooting, wind bucking son of a gun, though. I just won't go lighter than a 140 grain or smaller than the 6.5mm for comp shooting.
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Re: 243 re-barrel?
[Re: wp75169]
#5712914
04/23/15 02:20 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,194
Korean Redneck
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Shilen would be my choice on a prefit. There's some cheaper offerings from shaw but I'm not sure about their quality. I went the Shilen pre-fit route on my Savage and couldn't be happier. I'm sure there are "better barrels" out there but this one seems like it's more than good enough for me. It replaced a factory Savage varmint contour barrel and the barrel fit was nearly identical to the original in the stock. The Shilen pre-fit seemed like the best value route for me.
I'm a dude who likes long barrels!
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