Gunsmithing 243 ackley imp question

eldiablo

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Jan 4, 2010
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Yuma, Co
What is the shortest barrel length you guys have used for a 243 a.i.? The barrel I have is 26" and runs 70gr ball. tips at 3700 f\s. I want to shorten it up, so I can put a suppessor on it. At what point do I start losing significant velocity?
I appreciate the help guys!
 
Re: 243 ackley imp question

I'd happily trade 50fps for an increase in portability,improved balance/handling and longterm satisfactions. The can would ride wherever that sweetspot was and I'd have no qualm dumping an "extra" minute in the erector to pad that handling upgrade.

Bullet selection plays a large part too and in 243AI it'd be tough to make me shoot anything other than the 105A-Max. Powder charges will be lesser too,which will help the can.

Win/win.
 
Re: 243 ackley imp question

My 243AI has a ~1-10" and just doesn't like the 105s (and here I have 500 of them). .6-sh is all I could get and even that was unreliable. Nosler 95s are what it likes to eat even though the BC is less than desirable, it shoots very reliably out to 800 - Every barrel is a bit different.

Back to the main question: Not many are running a 243AI under 24 inches but then again most aren't running with cans on them. So, if it were me I would cut it to the desired length I wanted regardless and not worry about velocity loss. 243s are plenty potent and as long as it's accurate and portable with the can on it you're going to be happy with your rifle.

 
Re: 243 ackley imp question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FreshKills</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A 1-10" 243AI will pinhole the aforementioned 105. </div></div>

What's a pinhole?

I'd run the 95 SMK's in a 10 twist.
 
Re: 243 ackley imp question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TAC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My 243AI has a ~1-10" and just doesn't like the 105s (and here I have 500 of them). .6-sh is all I could get and even that was unreliable. Nosler 95s are what it likes to eat even though the BC is less than desirable, it shoots very reliably out to 800 - Every barrel is a bit different.

Back to the main question: Not many are running a 243AI under 24 inches but then again most aren't running with cans on them. So, if it were me I would cut it to the desired length I wanted regardless and not worry about velocity loss. 243s are plenty potent and as long as it's accurate and portable with the can on it you're going to be happy with your rifle.




</div></div>
Thank you for being so helpfull. I'm not sure that i have seen any 243 ai's with cans on them either. This will be a dedicated coyote calling rig, and I'm not going to have take too many shots over 450 yards. As for the 70gr noslers, it will consistently shoot them under 4" at 600 yards. So under 450 yards, it should work just fine.

Will the shortened barrel affect accuracy?
 
Re: 243 ackley imp question

I'm at 23", and don't think I'd want to go any longer. But, my rifle is a more svelt offering than many of the tactical rifles you see on this site. Fluted Rock #3 in a McMillan Classic = ergonomic wonderment
 
Re: 243 ackley imp question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TAC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
This will be a dedicated coyote calling rig, and I'm not going to have take too many shots over 450 yards. As for the 70gr noslers, it will consistently shoot them under 4" at 600 yards. So under 450 yards, it should work just fine.

</div></div>
I have to ask...Is 2 inches going to make a difference? My Coyote rifle has a 26 inch barrel and a can and I have never felt I needed to loose 2 inches to make it handy.

My 2 cent's worth...
 
Re: 243 ackley imp question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MTETM</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TAC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
This will be a dedicated coyote calling rig, and I'm not going to have take too many shots over 450 yards. As for the 70gr noslers, it will consistently shoot them under 4" at 600 yards. So under 450 yards, it should work just fine.

</div></div>
I have to ask...Is 2 inches going to make a difference? My Coyote rifle has a 26 inch barrel and a can and I have never felt I needed to loose 2 inches to make it handy.

My 2 cent's worth... </div></div>

I see what you're sayin. I just want to cut as much weight and length as possible without compromising too much accuracy and velocity. I got the idea in my head today and I can't get it out. I will probably get a manners ultralite stock, so that should help also.
 
Re: 243 ackley imp question

I have two 243AI's in 15" pistol barrel length. One is an 8 twist where I use 107SMK at 2860fps(43.5gr H4350) - not max in this barrel. The other is a 12 twist where I use 70gr Nosler BT's at 3280fps(45.5gr Varget) - not a max load in this barrel. Both loads will group under.5 MOA Hope this helps.
 
Re: 243 ackley imp question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Goin'Hot</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FreshKills</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A 1-10" 243AI will pinhole the aforementioned 105. </div></div>

What's a pinhole?

I'd run the 95 SMK's in a 10 twist. </div></div>

The opposite of keyhole.
 
Re: 243 ackley imp question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: el diablo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TAC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My 243AI has a ~1-10" and just doesn't like the 105s (and here I have 500 of them). .6-sh is all I could get and even that was unreliable. Nosler 95s are what it likes to eat even though the BC is less than desirable, it shoots very reliably out to 800 - Every barrel is a bit different.

Back to the main question: Not many are running a 243AI under 24 inches but then again most aren't running with cans on them. So, if it were me I would cut it to the desired length I wanted regardless and not worry about velocity loss. 243s are plenty potent and as long as it's accurate and portable with the can on it you're going to be happy with your rifle.




</div></div>
Thank you for being so helpfull. I'm not sure that i have seen any 243 ai's with cans on them either. This will be a dedicated coyote calling rig, and I'm not going to have take too many shots over 450 yards. As for the 70gr noslers, it will consistently shoot them under 4" at 600 yards. So under 450 yards, it should work just fine.

Will the shortened barrel affect accuracy?
</div></div>

Once you hit some shit with the 105's,the 70's will lose all luster.
 
Re: 243 ackley imp question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TAC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My 243AI has a ~1-10" and just doesn't like the 105s (and here I have 500 of them). .6-sh is all I could get and even that was unreliable. Nosler 95s are what it likes to eat even though the BC is less than desirable, it shoots very reliably out to 800 - Every barrel is a bit different.

Back to the main question: Not many are running a 243AI under 24 inches but then again most aren't running with cans on them. So, if it were me I would cut it to the desired length I wanted regardless and not worry about velocity loss. 243s are plenty potent and as long as it's accurate and portable with the can on it you're going to be happy with your rifle.

</div></div>

Re-22 and a kiss with the 105's is money.

Lotsa money.
 
Re: 243 ackley imp question

Jon, someone has already beat you to the punch. I sent him shipping costs based on his zip but have not heard back. I still have five unopened boxes.

If the deal falls through, I'll let you know by Private message.

TAC