243 barrel question.

[upnorthbacon]

Well I just bought a stainless encore frame with black stocks.  Now I'm trying to decide if I want to start out with a .243 barrel.  I think I remember hearing that the twist was not right to stablize heavier .243 bullets.  I'm thinking of using it on coyotes but I'd like to be able to use heavier bullets maybe for a close shot on a deer (broadside double lung only).  I was originally looking at 7-08 but I'm afraid the recoil will be more than I really want.  Also are all thompson barrels warrantied?  If I buy a used barrel and it doesn't shoot can it be sent back to thompson?  I'm looking for a stainless barrel maybe used if I can save some money but I don't know if it's too risky?  Also where would I find used barrels?

[upnorthbacon]

Also I forgot to ask...how light will the 7-08 go in bullet weight?  I was wondering if the 7-08 lighter bullet would kick less?  I'm only concerned about kick because I hunt box blinds and I don't want my barrel slapping the top of the window (I know I'm a sissy for hunting out of blinds).  I really like what I've heard about the 7-08 in the forums!

[KYODE]

my thoughts :wink: : i think the .243 would do fine for deer to at least 200 yards(maybe more, but i'll be safe). the mid weight bullets would more than likely work best. i have no doubt that a sierra 85gr hpbt, or 85gr nosler partition will take deer cleanly with well placed shots. i killed a doe at 125-150 yards with a 6br and 80gr sierra sspb. it worked great.

with that said, i still see some peoples quest for more horsepower.  i also shoot the 7-08, and recoil is very tolerable. there may be an initial shock in it's jump, and slight twist. after a couple outings of practice, you'd see that it's not bad at all. there is no pain whatsoever, it just jumps a little. i don't think it's nearly as violent as my super 14" 44mag with 200's or 240's. but, recoil is percieved differently by different people.

and with that said :-) , there is still some middle ground to look at. the .257roberts would be a dandy deer varmint rig. i know a feller shootin one with a 90gr sierra hpbt, and he just loves it. this may be a custom project though. fox ridge(tc custom shop), or OTT(board sponsor with banner) are both reasonably priced, and not a lot more expensive than the average factory barrel. then there's ed's contenders(another board sponsor with banner), he could have something new or used, and everyone can tell you he's reasonable.
tc should warrant the barrel if there is truly something wrong with one. i wouldn't be afraid to buy a used barrel in good condition, especially from ed's contenders.

hows that for several pennies worth? :money:  :money:  :music:

[KYODE]

i don't really think the 7-08 will jump that high, but i don't know how much room you have. 7mm down to 100gr that i can think of. i use a 120gr bullet, and thats about as light as i'd want in 7mm for deer.

[doc-and]

My Encore 6mm barrel measures out at 1 in 9inches for the twist rate.  It's from FoxRidge.  Would be the same for their 243 barrels also.

doc-and

[Greyfox]

Well, first off. The 243 would be just fine as a combination for both deer & coyote. A good shot on either would work farther than most of us would admit to being comfortable with. The 7-08 is not a heavy recoiler and the bullets start at 100 gr., which BTW is where the 243 stops, more or less.
A very good compromise would be the 260 Rem which is a factory barrel in the Encore. The one I have is the most accurate factory barrel I've owned. The recoil isn't noticeable with any of the loads I've used, 100 gr, 129 gr and 140gr. No question for me, it would be the 260.

Yes, TC factory barrels are warrantied and you could return them if there were a problem. Whenever I'm looking for a used TC barrel, I start with Ed Kirkpatrick. edstc.com.  Good prices, great selection, fine man to deal with. I'll bet he has all three choices in stock.

Rick