Shortest Barrel you'd run a 243AI/6mm-06 in?

[CAPTBEACH]

I like short barrel rifles...building a shorty hunter right now in 308, 16.5" heavy in a walnut stock...cold steel and warm wood...any way...

Looking forward a bit to my next build...had a 243AI a while back but sold it before i could really get into it...now I'm back looking hard at the 243AI and the 6mm-06 as I usually end up building on lesser expensive LA's thought I might give the 6mm-06 a try...

I'd like to get down into the 18" range but realistically probably 22 is as short as I think I could go on the 243AI, but thinking out load I might be able to keep 243 speeds in the shorter barrel by running 243AI...

I've seen all the arguments about the 243 needing a longer barrel and the 6mm-06 being atrociously over bore but there are some powders out there that may help that...

I'm looking for a low recoiling, flat shooting, hard hitting round...it will be an 7.7" to 8" twist and shoot 115 DTAC moly's exclusively...

Sitting back awaiting the tribes wisdom...thanks

Currently building one like this...actually this pic inspired hte new build...
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e202/Winny308/023.jpg

Capt Beach

[bootsmcguire]

Personally with either of those chamberings I would go no less than 22" and honestly to get the most from them 26" or longer especially with the 6-06 being an overbore. That being said, you could make an 18-20" barrel work with the 243AI but at how much of a velocity sacrifice I don't know for sure. With the 115 DTAC as your bullet choice and the slower powders needed for that combo it may not be as ideally flat as you would want.

Now all that said, there are a lot of guys shooting those and even worse overbores in things like the xp100, T/C Encore, and Savage Striker pistols and are totally happy with their performance. If I were going with a shorty out of 243AI or the 6-06, I would go 243AI with no less than 19" length just to try to keep as much benefit as possible.

If you decide you can accept a longer barrel like 24"+ then by all means go 6-06 or even 6-06AI and send that 115 screaming down range. I built my 6-WSM just for launching the 105 A-Max as fast as possible, but I went with a 28" bull barrel to get as much as I can from it. I am also getting ready to order up a 6-06AI (to replace the 6-06 I just traded away) and it will likely be at least a 26" barrel.

After building my 450BM with a 16 1/2" barrel and my 250AI with a 16 1/2" barrel I am finding a new found love for the shortys, but when I wanna go AT&T on my target (AT&T = "Reach out and touch someone" ) ;) Then I am going to grab one of my long barrels. JMHO of course, and personal preference varies between us all.

[CAPTBEACH]

I too do love my shorties...Hmmm...might have to go 18-19" and a 243AI...that gets me into shorty range...I do not envision ever going further than 600 yds with this gun...it will be a N American hunter, everything but bears, elk and moose

[Savage6x284]

24" is as short as I'd go for either chambering. I also prefer light contour barrels, a #2 is nearly perfect for me. Balance and weight are my criteria. Yours are likely different than mine given the inspiration rifle you posted.

[03mossy]

Hey Capt what did you ever decide with this?

[GaCop]

Hey Capt what did you ever decide with this? +1, interested in hearing what you decided.:thumb:

[needagun]

In a short barrel, what advantage does the 243 have over a 68SPC? Just curious.

[Iowa Fox]

I've got a 243 15 1/4" inch barrel on order from Jim that should be here in about a month. I went with a regular 243 with match chamber so I wouldn't have to fool with fire forming or case forming.

[Sam5300]

I'd love to hear how it shoots when you have it up and running. ( bullet weight and velocity mainly) i have a 22" 243 right now but I'm getting a suppressor this year and i would love a shorter barrel to screw it onto.

[sixonetonoffun]

I wonder if the 6mm Hagar would fit the order for a 6mm shorty?

Small rifle primers brass life should be awesome.