.243 Varmint Grenade?

[DannoBoone]

Is anyone here using the Barnes 62gr .243 Varmint Grenade? How do
you like them? Accuracy? What OAL do ya end up with?

Upon opening the box I was surprised at the length (darned near an
inch)!! There is so much bearing surface that the recommendation on
the box states the need for 1:10 or tighter twist. Have .204's and
.224's which are very short........NOT THESE!!

[Graybeard]

Nope no experience with the .243" VG but I'm working with them in .224" in a .223 Remington rifle and so far I've not come up with a load that would make them useable on varmints much if any beyond 50 yards. I've not given up yet but I'm having the same accuracy issues with them I've had in the past with most all Barnes bullets. I'm hoping to find a combination that will work I just haven't yet.

I must say tho my Remington 700 LSS in .257 Weatherby Magnum sure loves the Barnes 115 TSX. It shoots them fully as accurately if not a wee bit more so than the Nosler 120 PT. Both are pushing the half inch mark for three shots at 100 yards regularly and occasionally dropping in under that mark. If I can get the VGs to match that I'll find out how they perform on live critters.

[Darrell Davis]

Morn'in Mr. Boone.

Haven't tried the Barnes Bullet, in fact have never used any of their products, but ------------

Have you tried any of the 55gr. Nosler Balistic Tips in your 243?

I have seen promise with some powders, and during my last test, saw over 4000fps for the first time with one of my rifles.

An old RUGER "Flat Bolt" w/22" barrell averaged 3995 for 5 shots.

Group was not good, but as said have seen promise. However, that was with other powders at a lower velocity level.

Keep us [posted about the Barnes tests and any other information you may have.

Keep em coming!

CDOC

[DannoBoone]

Howdy Darrel,

How do you live without Barnes bullets? Afterall, ya can't shoot all that
money you're saving by not buying them!    Actually, the V.G.'s are
priced much better than their high end hunting bullets.

Winter snow is preventing more testing with the little Nos 55gr BT's. I
did load some up at various seating depths at slower speeds (3300fps).
Only got 1/2 to 3/4" groups. People who report 1/4" groups on another
board are pushing them to just under 4000fps and seating the bullets
way out. It seems almost nutz to have only 1/8" bullet bearing surface
in the neck, but will give it a try, since that seems to be what is
working.

In the meantime.................anyone tried the 62gr Barnes V.G. in
.243??