Trying our new .243's....

[Alleycat]

A friend of mine and I bought a pair of Axis .243's, sequentially numbered even, a couple weeks ago and finally got out to give them a try. We didn't have time to get to the range so we had to make do with buddy's back 40. We could only get stretched out to 75 yards but the results had us giggling like a couple school girls. I really feel that these rifle can make a mediocre shooter look good. Since we were only shooting at 75yards I won't get into group size but can say that even with the brutal trigger pull and ho-hum scopes we really like these rifles. We tested a variety of ammo, Fed 80's, Fed 100's, Rem Core Lokt 100's and some Win 55's. The Federal shot excellent in both rifles then the Winchester and the Remington was the worst by a long shot, then again we may have been getting week from blood loss due to the giant mosquitos trying to fly away with us...
Anyway thanks to everyone who helped us choose these rifles and caliber...we couldn't be happier. Cant wait to get out again.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p39/Alleycat800/IMG_20130603_181738_zps61bb3216.jpg (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Alleycat800/media/IMG_20130603_181738_zps61bb3216.jpg.html)

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p39/Alleycat800/IMG_20130603_175745_zpse21d2ada.jpg (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Alleycat800/media/IMG_20130603_175745_zpse21d2ada.jpg.html)

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p39/Alleycat800/IMG_20130603_191651_zps229826aa.jpg (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Alleycat800/media/IMG_20130603_191651_zps229826aa.jpg.html)

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p39/Alleycat800/IMG_20130603_190425_zps6c35c563.jpg (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Alleycat800/media/IMG_20130603_190425_zps6c35c563.jpg.html)

[DrThunder88]

Nice looking gun and great shooting! And a T/C Classic to boot? Looks like a good day.

[fgw_in_fla]

AHhhh yes...
Another happy Axis owner. Dontcha just love having a rifle that'll drive nails at 100yds for under 300 bucks?

Welcome to your new OCD. Now it's time to look for a good deal on reloading equipment.

[Alleycat]

AHhhh yes...
Now it's time to look for a good deal on reloading equipment.

Funny you say that. Sized up about 60 pieces of brass last night and going looking for some powder and bullets today.
I may have a bunch of silly reloading quistions coming shortly...;)

[fgw_in_fla]

Funny you say that. Sized up about 60 pieces of brass last night and going looking for some powder and bullets today.
I may have a bunch of silly reloading quistions coming shortly...;)

I can't imagine any of your questions being any more silly than the one's I asked when I was starting out.
Ask away my friend, ask away. You're in good company AND with some of the best.

By the way, I have a .243 that just loves 70gr Nosler BT's as well as 55gr Nosler BT's & Sierra Blitzies....
Happy reloading.

[pisgah]

Despite all the criticisms some level at the Axis, the fact is that you are getting tremendous performance for the $. The triggers are easily improved, and they are good enough shooters to justify a decent scope. Enjoy!

[Alleycat]

Despite all the criticisms some level at the Axis, the fact is that you are getting tremendous performance for the $. The triggers are easily improved, and they are good enough shooters to justify a decent scope. Enjoy!

Agreed and a trigger refinement will be my first mod, then maybe try to stiffen up the stock. Luckily all the info to complete these mods is available right here!!! :rockon:

[handirifle]

M y Savage 243 rifles have always LOVED the Federal ammo, especially the CHEAP stuff. I remember (the good old days?) when I first paid about $14 a box for the copper coated rounds that were new at the time. I just bought 2 boxes a week ago and they were still reasonable.

[pisgah]

Unless you are one who simply must have a bipod -- in which case, forend stiffening is pretty much mandatory -- the stock reinforcements are a waste of time, IMO. But, hey, they do stiffen things up, even if you 'll never notice much if any real accuracy improvement from them.

[mattri]

+1 on the Nosler 70gr. Had a Stevens 200, bone stock that shot these amazingly well. Then swapped the barrel for a nice Shilen and upgraded the stock and it still shot the 70s better than I could steer. Perfect for everything from paper to prairie dogs to antelope (or whitetails I imagine depending on where you live) great bullet.

[langenc]

Back in the good ole days when I got my 243, Rem ammo was 4.35/20 rounds-loaded ammo. Bullets on my shelf are marked $4/100 and some slightly higher.
Nosler made agood one called Zipedo-75 grain-solid base. Wish I had a 1000-3.85/100..

Wonder what our grandkids will be saying in 25 yrs on this subject?

[thermaler]

They will be saying: "Darn, have you noticed how expensive rubber bands have become? Can't afford to shoot paperclips anymore."

[fgw_in_fla]

They will be saying: "Darn, have you noticed how expensive rubber bands have become? Can't afford to shoot paperclips anymore."

Might even be throwing rocks. If they're not outlawed first...

[yobuck]

Wonder what our grandkids will be saying in 25 yrs on this subject?

maybe our friend here from ontario would have some insight on that.

[Alleycat]

maybe our friend here from ontario would have some insight on that.

I'm not sure what they'll be saying. I just hope I'm around to hear whatever it is they have to say...:)