First barrel changeout

[mdharris68]

So I picked up a used 243 24" 1-10 twist varmit contour barrel a few months back and finally got it installed. I am going out now to see how it does with some 100 gr BTSP from Hornady. I kind of am nervous as to whether it will explode in my face. Anyone else have second thoughts or jitters over that first shot out of the replacement? I used the headspace gauges and I know I should be fine. I wil post a target pic if I make it back.

[03mossy]

I felt the exact same way! I even went as far as wearing my welding gloves and facemask just in case it went kaboom when I pulled the trigger. As long as you took your time and double and triple checked you'll be fine. Good luck.

[mdharris68]

I made it back and actually chambering the first round felt real good. The headspace gauge felt like it was loose compared to the actual round. Here is this mornings target. After getting it on paper, I changed targets, and shot 10 rounds as quick as I could comfortably. The first three were on the right in the orange and just off to the right. Fourth and fifth was lowest right, sixth highest left, and seven through ten were lower left. Wind left to right 5-10. Bottom line? I can't shoot like I used to and the barrel getting hot has an effect on the group, I think.

I need more ammo, more trigger time and I think this barrel might just stay on here till I can afford a new 8 twist and get the action trued & timed. I bought this barrel from a member on here and he didn't really have much info on it. I couldn't find any other markings but the number 243 and a little mark below that that looks kinda like a 7. Don't know how many rounds or what the throat looks like, but if I let it cool between shots I think it will be fine.

http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o799/mdharris68/d4ef6e55-8a3b-42d9-9ce3-ceb227934689_zps8275c6c6.jpg

[22 Mag]

Mdharris68
I have a couple of 1/10 twist .243 and they shoot best with 80 to 90 grain bullets. My best load for the 1/10 is 87 gr V-max pushed by IMR 4350 to a near max load. It shoots less than 1/2 inch, the last 5 shot group were all touching in a 3 leaf clover.
The 1/10 will shoot most 100Gr bullets well, but it should shoot the lighter bullets better.

22 Mag

[mdharris68]

Well I kinda thought that might be the case. I could only find 100 gr bullets on the shelf and I need brass so I gave them a try. I do have some 87 gr V max bullets but no powder or primers. If the component mfg's ever get caught up, I will give the 87's a go.

[Gary paugh]

Mine shoots the 75 and 87gr V-max's best both at max loads.

[Dennis]

I re-barreled two today. As long as you have your go/no go gauges, it's a piece of cake. I tripled checked mine with the gauges, even after installing the scope, just to make sure. I really enjoy it. I was also training one of my nephews.

My 243 loves 55 & 70grn Nosler Ballistic Tips. I really have a lot of fun with this rifle.

[mdharris68]

So I am thinking that when I put my 243 barrel on, the point of impact was so far right of poa that the action needs trued. Does this sound correct? I have bedded my rail and replaced the scope at the same point so this is all I can conclude. Let me know your thoughts.

[northlander]

Is your barrel sitting straight when compared to your receiver? Lay a yardstick along your receiver and see if your barrel runs true. Due to the taper in most barrels try it on both sides of your receiver before it fools you.

Jim Briggs
NSS

[sc1911cwp]

I see some forgo the no-go and just use a piece of tape. Seems crazy but I guess it works.

[Dennis]

I see some forgo the no-go and just use a piece of tape. Seems crazy but I guess it works.

I have done it several times as I couldn't get a no-go gauge. It works. But having the gauge is the best.

[Smokey262]

So I am thinking that when I put my 243 barrel on, the point of impact was so far right of poa that the action needs trued. Does this sound correct?

Not to me. Who knows where the scope was set previously, and if you took it off then reinstalled it during the barrel swap that can make funny things happen too.

You might visit Walmart and see if they have the 80gr Federal rounds to try out. One box of store bought won't set you back a lot.