mid weight varmint questions.

[benjamin199]

I have a Borden Aline single shot action to build a rifle around. I am looking for a midweight stalking varmint rifle (to be used for targets, coyotes and maybe deer.) I think 600yrds is the farthest the terrain around here will let me shoot, so I am thinking I would prefer a shorter barrel for more manuvarablity than the extra velocity of a longer barrel. I am thinking a 22" 5 or 6 contour Lilja barrel, and McMillian General Purpose hunting stock chambered for a .243AI. This rifle will be shot from the bench but also used in field positions.
Any opinions, advice or other info for me to think about would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[BountyHunter]

Not sure I see the need or use of the 243 AI with a 22" barrel. Self defeating.

Might be better off with straight 243 if you do not have at least a 26" barrel to burn the extra powder in. Lot of throat erosion for no gain in velocity.

BH

 

[Mountainsheep]

If you are sure you want the short barrel over velocity; you might want to consider a .260 Rem. 6.5mm bullets can have great bc's & the added mass will help with wind drift. No you want get the velocity of a .243A/I, but a 22" barrel probably won't fulfill the A/I's potential either. Plus no fireforming. JMHO

Merry Christmas,
Dave

 

[benjamin199]

Thanks for the replies, My thinking for the .243AI over the 243 was to give me the 243 velocities in a shorter barrel, Although I was worried that it may not do much more in a shorter barrel because of the slow powerders needed. I may end up with going with a 243, I do like the case dimensions of the AI better though. As for the .260 I think it is a great caliber, but I am looking for something a little smaller. I already own a rem 700 in 6.5x55 Which is very similar. I am looking for a cartige between my varmint .204 and the 6.5mm. Thanks again for the input, any more would be greatly appreciated as nothing but the action is set in stone right now.

 

[BountyHunter]

think I would look at a smaller contour and add 2 inches and go with a straight 6BR in a 9 twist. Will shoot the 95s and 87/88s like a house afire. Great barrel life more than enough velociy with those bullets.

BH

 

[benjamin199]

Thanks for the recommendation on the 6BR, I have done some looking around this is probably the cartridge I will go with.