New build, got lots of ?

[txgunnertx]

I am building a Savage 243AI, and thinking about putting a CDI bottom metal on it. I know nothing about these other than it takes a AICS mag. Will it work ok with the AI case? How far down will the 5 round mag hang? Is it a centerfeed or staggerfeed? I am ordering a McMillan HTG for it, do I just tell them to inlet it for a CDI? If you have any pics of a Savage with this setup, I would like to see

This is my first build here to this extent, so please tell me what you think

Savage 4.40 action
Krieger 20" varmint 8 twist
McMillan HTG
Timney Trigger
CDI botttom metal

Also I am trying to decide between a Noghtforce 3.5-15x50 or a mark 4 3.5-10x40. Is the Nightforce really worth the extra money. On the rings I found some TPS rings or should I go with the nightforce rings. Thanks and please let me know if you would change anything

 

[turbo54]

Re: New build, got lots of ?

AI mags will work fine.

Nightforce is woth the money - between those two choices, the NF is a no brainer.

I've seen one set of TPS rings. They're fine, I think.

I would rethink either your barrel length, or your cartridge choice. You'll have a hard time making good use of the 243AI with a short barrel. Other, more moderate cartridges tend to run better from shorter barrels. Think 223, 6.5CM, 6.5x47, 7-08, 308 etc etc. The more overbore the cartridge, the longer the barrel it needs to achieve "good" velocity. Straight 243 really oughtta have a longer barrel than 20", and the AI version really really oughtta have more. Will you go faster than a more moderate cartridge? Yes, but you'll burn a LOT more powder in the process, get minimal gains, and wear out barrels; because velocity won't be amazing, you'll be tempted to run it HOT - which AIs tend to kinda allow. AIs don't show pressure as soon as non improved cartridges, so you'll find yourself in the 70ksi+ pressure zone, eating barrels, achieving velocities a straight 243 can hit with a moderate load with a 24-26" barrel.

But - if a sweet, low recoil 6mm trajectory from a compact rifle is your intent - th 243AI will do it. Me? I'd use a longer barrel or choose a different cartridge.

My $0.02

 

[jwpark]

Re: New build, got lots of ?

I'm not big fan of Leupold scope. I think you can get a better bang for the dollar with a Vortex PST FFP or SS HD.

 

[txgunnertx]

Re: New build, got lots of ?

I understand what you are saying on the barrel length. This is going to be a hunting gun, with a little target shooting. I mainly hunt coyotes but wanted something that would be good on deer too, which is why I went with a 20" barrel, didn't want to lug around a 26". The reason for the AI is just to be different.

Thanks guys

 

[Philt1]

Re: New build, got lots of ?

my NF is sitting in some TPS ultra low steel rings
2 thumbs up on these rings

AS far as cal.
do you load ? if not i would shoot for 308

i like the 308 very versatile and available

 

[txgunnertx]

Re: New build, got lots of ?

Yea I load. I was thinking about doing a 308 but dont want to be using a 308 for night hunting. It's more of a yote gun than anything and a 308 is just to big for me.

 

[jamesZ71]

Re: New build, got lots of ?

What about the 260 cartridge

 

[jamesZ71]

Re: New build, got lots of ?

Also the 4.40 is centerfeed and as far as inletting just send it to jeff.he does great work he used my rifle for the staggerfeed rifles

 

[beretta682]

Re: New build, got lots of ?

a243ai is a waste in a 20in barrel,the ai needs a long barrel 26 to 30 inch .i would just go with a 243 or 6mm