.243 Build- Need barrel advice

[KTP]

Gang,
I'm getting ready to build a .243 varmint/light game rifle and use a CBI barrel. My question is: What barrel length and contour would you suggest for a compromise between weight, being mobile, and maintaining accuracy? I'm concerned a Lt. Varmint might be too heavy. Tell me about your builds and what you'd suggest. FYI, I will be putting the barrel on a short action stagger feed.
Thanks

[BoilerUP]

I have a Criterion 22" Light Varmint and I find it to be a FANTASTIC balance of length and weight. Its a rifle that I have hunted with, but I'm not humping it around all day up and down hills, either. For a 2/3mi hike to the treestand, it was just fine.

I think a 22" LV or Mag contour would be your ticket. For a 243, I wouldn't go much shorter and for a hunting rifle I wouldn't go much longer.

[wbm]

I think a 22" LV or Mag contour would be your ticket. For a 243, I wouldn't go much shorter and for a hunting rifle I wouldn't go much longer.

Sounds like a good plan. +1

[22 Mag]

LRPut
What twist rate are you planning on using? I have 2 1/10tw and 3 1/8tw in .243 AI barrels. I tend to shoot 75 Gr and up bullets and have had the best luck and groups with the 1/8 tw barrels. My latest barrel is a CBI LT Varmint 1/8tw 26" I plan to use for 87 Gr V-max and 105 Gr A-max. I guess I like the extra speed the 26" gives me over the shorter barrels, the longer barrel has less climb when I shoot off the bags also. If needed you could always have it cut back. Just my 0.02
22 Mag

[KTP]

22 mag, I will soon have a Criterion 24" light varmint 1:8 twist barrel on this action. Kind of compromise between a 22 sporter and 26" light varmint. The barrel will weigh just a little over 3 pounds. That will allow me to shoot a range of bullet weights. I'm anxious to put her together!!!

[22 Mag]

Good luck LRPut with your new barrel. We like updates and lots of pictures.

22 Mag

[KTP]

Just glass bedded her tonight. Will headspace tomorrow and maybe have glass on by midweek. Pics are coming

[pdog06]

You ordered a light varmint contour and got it this quick? Did you special order it or did criterion or northlander have one in stock?

Good decisions btw too. That twist/length/contour sounds perfect what what you need.

[KTP]

Jim had one in stock.