Axis Caliber

[bme27]

So I have an axis in .243 I am wanting to build on, but it is not a heavy barrel and that is one of the first things I want to add. My question is should I stick with the .243 or go to a 6.5 creedmoor or .308?

[bigger]

What are you going to use it for?

[bme27]

Paper punching, P-dogs, maybe coyotes mostly

[Rosco]

You can do all of that with any of those cartridges, I am 6.5 Creedmore fan but nothing wrong with a .243 either. The .243 heavier bullets and the new ELD-X Creedmore will get out to 800-100 yards without to much issue as well if that is something you are planning to do in the future.

[LoneWolf]

6.5 Creedmoor will last a lot longer if chambered correctly. Out to about 800yds a fast 6mm is slightly more forgiving than a 6.5 as far as wind goes. You also have easy access to factory match ammo.

I've been shooting 243win in a match rifle for a good minute now. Although it's treated me well, swapping barrels every 1400rds can get a little old. If you do decide to go with a 6mm I would choose one of the more modern cases. 6x47, 6 Creedmoor, or the 6XC. I've been debating about the 6SLR as well since I could continue to use 243win brass with it, but at the same time fire forming is not on my bucket list of things to do with my time.

[bme27]

Yea there are a lot of calibers out there, most of them i do not know much about so any advice is appreciated. I do reload, and would like to shoot this gun at 1000 yards. I think any of the three would do that, but other calibers (ones that don't have to be fire formed preferably) would be great to hear about. I like the sounds of the 6.5 creedmoor, the 243 is a solid all around caliber, and the 308 I have loved to hunt with and always liked how it preformed on an animal but i have never shot one past 500 yards.

[DrThunder88]

6.5 Creed is going to have more long range factory ammo available too. If you're reloading, it's not an issue to top off a .243 Win round with a 100+ grain A-Max or VLD projectile, but a good many of the heavy factory loads are geared more toward larger game at shorter distances.

[needagun]

why not just buy a 243 Axis heavy barrel for $189 on Gun Broker?

[bme27]

needagun, I would but i already have the axis in a 243 and got the trigger to where its finally nice. If I didn't already have it, or if it would be easy to sell the one i have that would be a top option.