[PWB]

I'm thinking of purchasing a rifle in .243 Winchester...I've been doing a bit of research and I just want to double check my facts...from what I've studied so far it seems that lighter grain bullets (65-85 gr.) preform better with slower twist rates and heaver grain bullets (90-105) preform better with faster twist rates...preformance being accuracy. According to their websites Savage twist rate listed on their 243's is 9.25, Remington 9 1/8, and Ruger 1:9...Weatherby's are 1:10, Browning's are 1:10 and Kimber's are 1:12. I'll be using the rifle for target shooting and hunting (whitetail deer..ranges within 250 yrds) and will be reloading my own ammo...since I'm planning to use the rifle to hunt with I will be using 100-107 grain bullets...that being said does that leave rifles with twist rates 1:10 or faster as my best selection for a .243 rifle...for those of you that are experienced with the .243 what are your opinions and experiences...I'm leaning towards a Savage model rifle but if the 9.25 twist is not best suited for the heavier bullets then I'll have to go with something else....all comments are appreciated.

 

[Rbelote]

PM Eddybo about this one. He is a 6mm(243) expert.

 

[msredneck]

So you are not considering a Remington 700? I just picked one up as a project gun in 243

 

[PWB]

So you are not considering a Remington 700? I just picked one up as a project gun in 243

Would definitely consider a Remington since I've owned several in the past and they have always proven to be reliable and accurate rifles...what I'm interested in is the barrels rate of twist, particularly for heavier bullets....I came across Lilja barrel web site that seems to answerer my questions http://www.riflebarrels.com/products/caliber_twist_rates.htm

 

[Xd357]

I've a 700 that shoots 100 grain just fine.

 

[Doug Bowser]

I have a Mauser .243 that I assembled myself. It has a MacMillian 26" medium sporter barrel on it. It is a 1 in 10" . It shoots bullets up to 105 grais just fine. It will shoot 75 gr bullets into 1.25" at 100 yards with 5 shotsa on the sandbags. The 100 gr bullets shoot just under 1" with 5 shots.

Doug

 

[cwink]

I have been shooting the 243 at deer for 20 years.. I am not sure what twist rate mine has but it handles the 85 to 100 grain just fine... Just an FYI don't overlook the 80-95 grain bullet for deer.. The 85 BTHP is wicked on whitetail. I have killed them from 50 yards to 250 yards with this bullet they don't usually take a step. The one at 50 yards I shot in the neck and the bullet literally flipped him.. The one at 250 yards I hit him in the boiler room and he jumped forward and died before he hit the ground.

 

[PWB]

Thanks for the input...I'm leaning towards a Savage model 10 Predator Hunter Max 1 chambered for .243 Winchester...depending on availability...the Savage website list the twist rate at 9.25 which would be adequate for bullet weights between 85-100 grain...MSRP is listed at $864 so I would suspect that the actual sales price will be somewhat less....then all I'll have to do is decide on a decent scope, base and rings.