24 or 26 inch barrel for .243

[BBgunner]

Hey guys, new guy here. I do a lot of varmint hunting on our property. Around 300-400 yards is usually where we end up shooting from. With the occasional 600 yard shot. I have been pretty successful with dad's old .243 Remington model 70. But I'm ready to get my own Remington 700. I plan to stay with the .243 but I'm wondering what you guys think about barrel length. I can get the SPS model with a 24 or 26 inch barrel.
Thanks for any input.

 

[JCH]

Re: 24 or 26 inch barrel for .243

either will be fine for the distance you are wanting to do. For ease of carry and handiness I would go 24".

That is the route I am taking with my 243

 

[BBgunner]

Re: 24 or 26 inch barrel for .243

Thanks JCH.
How far out do you think I could shoot before the 26" barrel would be an advantage? The last couple years I have been shooting the 58gr Hornady Varmint rounds.

 

[Dustin Morris]

Re: 24 or 26 inch barrel for .243

I agree with JCH, either will work equally well for you but I would rather have the 24" for doing what you are going to do.

Dustin

 

[JCH]

Re: 24 or 26 inch barrel for .243

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BBgunner</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks JCH.
How far out do you think I could shoot before the 26" barrel would be an advantage? The last couple years I have been shooting the 58gr Hornady Varmint rounds.</div></div>

well the only advantage to a longer barrel is a little bit more speed, so that means a little less wind drift.

Even if I wanted to shoot to 1000 yards I would still run a 24" barrel.

a 55-58gr bullet is going to get eat up with the wind no matter what length you go. I plan on running a 75gr vmax.

 

[BBgunner]

Re: 24 or 26 inch barrel for .243

Man. You guys beat Google for answers any day.
Thanks for the info.
I'm sure I'll be back.

 

[Scotch_egg]

Re: 24 or 26 inch barrel for .243

When shooting the lighter weight bullets you don't need the extra length. I would go 24" if not 22" for a handy varmint rifle.

 

[Jmilera]

Re: 24 or 26 inch barrel for .243

I you dont plan to shoot very often past 700 yards I would go 18 inches. GAP built a 260 with an 18 inch barrel i am running 2650. It might be wise to ask if a tight bore will increase velocity.