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Author Topic: .243 accuracy  (Read 807 times)

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Offline cjclemens

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.243 accuracy
« on: February 01, 2009, 06:49:28 PM »
My brother got an ultra varmint in .243 some time ago, but didn't have much luck with it and it got shuffled to the back of the safe.  I finally talked him into putting a decent scope on it and putting a few rounds through it.  After getting it on paper with store bought 80 grain remington psp's, I noticed it wasn't grouping particularly well, so I had him try some 87 grain v-max bullets I handloaded for my savage.  Instantly, it started printing groups just under 1" at 100 yards.  After the ammo switch and a short discussion on giving the barrel a chance to cool down once in a while(you'd think it was an autoloader when he shoots it), it really started to look promising.  I've seen a lot of mixed reviews on how well the .243 performs, so I was just wondering what the general consensus was on how they shoot.  Are they hit or miss and he got a good one or do they all shoot pretty well?
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Offline trotterlg

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Re: .243 accuracy
« Reply #1 on: February 01, 2009, 07:08:20 PM »
He just got a ood one, I think they are the worst bet in the handi line for a shooter out of the box.  Larry
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: .243 accuracy
« Reply #2 on: February 02, 2009, 01:10:05 AM »
 I have to say that I do not agree with Larry. No offence to Larry, I'm certain his opinion has come by him honestly. BUT I feel that much of the contempt for this caliber came form the early ultralite barrels, IHMO. Weather founded in truth or not still needs to be determined. But Tim and a couple others have a shooter UL so not all where bad.

 I bought a UV 243 from a member here who didn't like the gun. Now I haven't shot any factory stuff thru it, but the two or three handloads that I did shoot shot very well. My two best loads are the same powder charge of IMR4350. The first is a 100Gr Hornady RN and the second a 95Gr Partition. Both are right at 1" @ 100.

 Personally I don't remember any 243 "haters" that took the time to go thru the FAQ's. LOTS of people who didn't care to check the FAQ's fix the small issues. Even bigger problem is these same people who seem to talk to everyone.  ::) ::)

 Glad your is a shooter like mine!!   ;D

CW
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: .243 accuracy
« Reply #3 on: February 02, 2009, 05:21:04 AM »
Like CW said, my Superlight shoots good, so good I bought another!! ;D I also have two Ultra Varmints, both of them shoot good too.....with factory ammo!!!  ;)

Tim
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Offline cjclemens

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Re: .243 accuracy
« Reply #4 on: February 02, 2009, 03:59:07 PM »
I was pretty happy with the results I got in just one aftenoon of shooting.  As I said before, it seemed to like the 87 grain v-maxes, and the Nosler 70 grain ballistic tips showed some promise as well - both with IMR 4064 powder, and this was all done without having to adjust the foreend of the stock.  It doesnt get much better than that!
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Offline lrrice

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Re: .243 accuracy
« Reply #5 on: February 02, 2009, 05:55:08 PM »
I apologize if this is hi-jacking (not quite sure of the terms or etiquette here).  Anyway, I am wanting to get my son a handi and would prefer a 243 because I am already set up for reloading etc. (plus I just love the cartridge)  I have a BC and love it but don't want to pick a 243 that may be problematic or quirky for a kid.  Do you all have any suggestions as to which model barrel profile etc. seems to be best or should I just find him a rimmed cartridge
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: .243 accuracy
« Reply #6 on: February 02, 2009, 05:57:42 PM »
Either the bull barrel or the standard contour, the Superlight can be a bit finicky, specially if you shoot too fast when working on loads and warm the barrel up which happens after just a couple shots with the skinny barrel.

Tim
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Offline cjclemens

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Re: .243 accuracy
« Reply #7 on: February 02, 2009, 06:45:57 PM »
I would reccommend the Ultra Varmint if they all shoot as well as my brother's does.  It took no time at all to find a load that works in it.  It started stringing some shots vertically when it got good and warm, but it finds zero again as soon as it cools down some.  Just one of those things to watch out for if you have an itchy trigger finger.
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Offline Vic49

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Re: .243 accuracy
« Reply #8 on: February 02, 2009, 10:20:37 PM »
I have a ultra standard, that is shooting one inch groups at 100 with green box Remingtons, haven't got around to trying any reloads yet.
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Offline MSP Ret

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Re: .243 accuracy
« Reply #9 on: February 03, 2009, 01:31:43 AM »
I have a shortened .243 that Larry did some experimental work on, squareing the breechface and trueing the bore to the center of the barrel blank (as much as he could), the bore was off center in the blank. He also recrowned it. It shot OK for hunting and Larry's experiments helped a bit. What I have fouind is the shortened barrel does not like to be hot at all. If I wait between shots and keep the barrel coll it shoots VERY well. No problem for me, It is a deer hunting gun anyway, only one shot needed. I hunted with it last fall and had complete confidence in the fact that it would put the bullet right where I was aiming. It is light and easy to carry, a joy to carry in the woods, expecially knowing that it is accurate. There may be others calibers I prefer but my .243 is a decent hunting rifle, perfect for someone who can shoot well (shot placement) and does not like excessive recoil....<><....:)
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Offline aldar

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Re: .243 accuracy
« Reply #10 on: February 03, 2009, 03:56:17 AM »
when i first got mine, it wouldn't group for nothing. finally sent it back in and they replace a barrel latching spring. I then did some work on the forearm and now have a pretty decent shooting gun. The forearm, as with all Handis, can be the major culprit in poor consistency. Also just as MSP stated, they don't do well if they get to warm. when it comes to shooting factory ammo, i think they can be real picky too. mine will shoot Winchester ammo but it didn't shoot Federal very good at all.
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Offline kitchawan kid

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Re: .243 accuracy
« Reply #11 on: February 03, 2009, 08:08:16 AM »
Irrice.
Nice looking B.C.,how do you mount your tang sight?
Is it good for close-up(50-100yrds.?)
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Offline lrrice

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Re: .243 accuracy
« Reply #12 on: February 03, 2009, 04:25:23 PM »
I mounted the sight by drilling and tapping one screw into the receiver and then other into the wood stock.  I figured it was at least 50% better than all in the wood and I could always weld a false tang on later if it didn't work.  So far so good.  It works at 100 yards but I have to take the Williams sight off because it interferes from 100 to 300 yards.  I am torn between an open rear sight or a ladder peep to remedy the problem.
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