Axis HB .243 continues to impress me more and more...

I've been really enjoying this rifle. It hasn't been finicky with the 65 grain vmax at all. I've shot 5/16" groups with 39.5 grains of IMR 3031 and 3/8" with 41.8-42 grains of Varget consistently at 100 yards. Yesterday morning was cold, so I decided to fine tune the varget load and did a 1/4" using 41.9 grains. This is all with a cheap scope and rings too. I was definitely psyched! I had watched the you tube videos by "the hyde" and he had the same rifle. He got the best results with the same bullet using a cartridge length .005 off the lands. I expected the same results but my groups got worse. What I found was my rifle really likes a jump. I'm getting optimal results at hornady's recommended 2.600-2.595. Goes to show you they are all different. I want to experiment more with the 3031 and maybe a couple other powders but I like the varget as this will be a coyote rifle and temps can be up and down. Now on to 1/8"...i hope!!

you cant go wrong with a axis. for the money it cant be beat

That's good to hear! I have been looking at getting a Axis HB 223, but I have changed my mind and decided to get the HB 243 instead. Been reading nothing but good things about the 243 HB.

Robert

Axis HB 243 seems real hard to find in my area. lots of 223s but no 243s.

I rebarreled my 308 to 243 and couldn't be happier.

Sent from my SM-T817V using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rs

Axis HB 243 seems real hard to find in my area. lots of 223s but no 243s.

---

Look on gunbroker. Lots of them $189 after rebate not including shipping.

Robert

I too have rebarreled my Edge 308 using a Model 10 243 barrel that i purchased on Ebay.. Shoots great !!! 3/4 inch groups if i do my part !! 3 shot groups

What is the weight difference between plain-jane .243 axis and .243 Axis HB?

I looked on Savage site, but the HB page has been taken down.

Thanks!

ETA: Found it...
Regular - 6.5lbs
HB - 8lbs

Also try IMR 4064 in your 243,mine likes it. If you push the 65 vmaxes too fast they will blow up before hitting the target, especially in my Ackleys.

mine should be 3650 or so, no chrono tho. I need to get some 4064, need to try in .308 as well

Took mine out today. Put a new bushnell legend ultra hd 4.5-14x44 mildot on it. . 3 shot 9/16" group at 150 yards. Stoked!!

Good day, I was reading your post regarding your success reloading for your 243. I was trying to locate the U tube videos you mentioned by " the hyde". Can you steer me to the right location. Any help would be appricated cheers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0osxs_LCzsE

thanks

Oh how i wish i could post pics. Shot a 2.5" group last night at 625 yards with this 243 at the new range my father in law and i built. So Woohoo! Its shooting better than my 12fv .308

That's really good bud! I thought you would like that little 243. 600+ yards is a fine shot. I know a lot of fellas and gals out west shoot that far all the time. But around these swamps we very rarely shoot that far. Its good to know you can if needed. I found that my 243s don't group as well loaded to max. I keep my loads a bit lighter and they shoot very tight. I shot a big male yote yesterday with one of the factory loaded trophy coppers a 85 gr bullet up the tail At 431 paces that little bullet came out the top of his head right center. He went down so fast I thought I missed him. I've been hunting a long time now and honestly think with the modern technology bullets the 243 is a perfect round for the south east. And you are showing that a guy doesn't need to spend thousands of dollars and shoot a belted mag to have fun at over 500 yards. Ain't you glad you didn't swap it to 25-06? Not that the 25 is not a great round Because it is. I just think the little 243 is a little more versatile and seem to harvest game just as well.

Yup...loving this .243. My barrel vise will be here tomorrow so im planning to pull the unfired barrel on the other axis .243. May sell it