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243 win vs 243 ai.

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walker

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Nov 27, 2013
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I have a short action rem. That I have had for a couple of years and finally narrowed it down to be either a 243 win or a 243ai. I have never owned an ai. Improved but have always wanted one. My question is out to 350 yards is it worth it? This will be a combo rifle for deer and ground hogs.
I know there are some smiths on here but cant remember who they are. Who would be a good one to put a new rifle together and what barrel would you go with? Never had a custom rifle put together.
Thanks
Chris
 
Jcalder said:
If you reload, why not do something a little different. In the long run, doubt you, a target, nor animal ever know the difference
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I have thought about several. 6.5 creedmoore.6.5-284 7-08 260 rem. I like them all and that's whats hard to decide lol.
 
You can get within 150 fps of a 243 in a 6 Dasher and use 10 grs less powder with better accuracy and the bbl will last almost twice as long.
It's no trouble getting 3000 fos with a 105 using 33 grs Varget

Get an 8 twist Krieger or Bartlien 4 groove
 
I know you are asking about the 243 and AI, but have you considered 6 CM? With a 7.5 twist barrel you can shoot heavy bullets if you would like, and it is fast. Loaded with an 88gr Hammer Hunter, my 6 CM gets over 3400 fps. Throw in the easy availability of good factory ammo from Hornady and you have a good option.
 
I'm really fond of the .243 just shooting/reloading and performance on game. I'm sure any 6mm u choose will do the same out to 350. But why stop there?
 
GOODWIN said:
I'm really fond of the .243 just shooting/reloading and performance on game. I'm sure any 6mm u choose will do the same out to 350. But why stop there?
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Got to start somewhere lol! I will stretch it out longer but 350 to 400 is all I have ever shot. I have a weatherby vanguard 243 that i have had for 20 years or more and love it. I just have this short action and wanting to do something with it. I have thiught about 6mm remington but will probably go 243ai since I have never owned one and always wanted it. Not something I have to have just a want.
 
walker said:
Got to start somewhere lol! I will stretch it out longer but 350 to 400 is all I have ever shot. I have a weatherby vanguard 243 that i have had for 20 years or more and love it. I just have this short action and wanting to do something with it. I have thiught about 6mm remington but will probably go 243ai since I have never owned one and always wanted it. Not something I have to have just a want.
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What kind of action is it?
 
I have a 22 250 AI and a 280 AI. A 243 AI u would like it. Only downside is the die's are pricey. Get a 1@8 twist barrel. It would do a good job on both.
 
There isn't much room for improvement to ai a .243 case imo…it doesn't have much taper to begin with…the 22-250 and 280 have a lot more room for improvement imo…but if that's what you want that's all that matters …
 
mr.big said:
You can get within 150 fps of a 243 in a 6 Dasher and use 10 grs less powder with better accuracy and the bbl will last almost twice as long.
It's no trouble getting 3000 fos with a 105 using 33 grs Varget

Get an 8 twist Krieger or Bartlien 4 groove
Click to expand...
^^^T H I S ^^^
In order to maximize your barrel investment-whatever your choice-you will need to handload. Be absolutely positively sure you get a barrel with a fast enough twist (like an 8) to support the newer heavier bullets.
 
I was in the same boat with a Ruger 77 243. I went overboard and rebarrelled it as a 6MM-284. Substantial increase in velocity, easy to form using Lapua brass. I shoot 90gr Accubonds at ~3600fps. Downside is going to be shorter barrel life and you need a longer barrel for best results.
 
One of my favorite chamberings is the 243.

But if I was wanting to have something a little different, I'd go 243 AI, especially if you can buy brass instead of fire forming. No difference in either where deer are concerned, but the 100-150 fps gain with AI might be a touch flatter shooting groundhogs.
 
EastTNHunter said:
Up to the range that you are talking about it won't make any difference, but it should help you with case length growth. Performance gains in the real world are minimal and theoretical for most cartridges
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This^^^^^^
Built one 30 yrs ago Rem 700 action Shilen select match barrel. And a little easier on case length as with any AI.
 

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