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So I'm going to be building a .243 for my next build, and really want to use a 20.5" barrel. Will probably be using a criterion 1:8 barrel
My question is: for long range paper punching(800 yards) what would be better for a 20.5" barrel, a 105Gr bullet going faster but having a lower BC, or a 115Gr going slower but having a higher BC?
A 26" barrel and either one would be better.
You have me puzzled why would you want a long range paper puncher with a 20 1/2 inch barrel? A 243 has a large volume of powder and benefits from a longer barrel length. On bullet selection, no one can tell you what your barrel will like, only your barrel can decide that. In my experience I have not found any 115 gr bullet that shot better, that a 105-108 gr bullet. Most bullet and barrel manufactures recamend a 1 in 7.5 twist or faster twist for the 115 gr bullets. You will have to try different bullets, for example I have had 6BR barrels that shot great with 105 A-maxs, and others that they have shot horrible with them, again the same story on 107 SMK's, 105 and 108 Berger's, and so on.
Because I want something with a short barrel, I like the looks of a short barrel and dislike the 25" barrels I have on my other rifles.
I chose a .243 because: Low recoil, high bullet BC, widely available components, lots of published data, I already have three different powders that seem to be recommended often for a .243, and already have a .260 and a .300WM, so I'd like to try something new. Plus, just to have something somewhat different.
Thanks for the info 82 boy ;D
I would give 82 boy's advice a lot more thought. There's iron and steel in those words.
You are selecting a cartridge with a short barrel life anyway (243). It will eat throats pretty fast for the ballistic return, even with a long barrel. What you gain for that fast erosion is speed, over a smaller cased 6mm. I would not build a 20" 243 for either long or short range shooting. You lose your "advantage" of running the bigger case. My 243 wears a 28" barrel, and I wish it was 30".
For what shooting you're describing, and wanting a short barrel, I would very seriously think about a different chambering.
I would personally vote for a 6br. Same bullet choices, get it in the 8", or better yet 7" twist, since you're going so short.
Also, you should think about weight, and you'll probably have to add some weight to your stock (don't know what stock you plan on using) to help the rifle sit in the bags well.