243 re-barrel

[Jim n Iowa]

Accuracy is slipping on my 243 Parker-Hale. Once a great shooter with under .5" groups now getting close to 2". My other rifles still shoot fine, though I will admit not as well as a few years ago, so it is not all me.
should I go for a 243 AI? Or a 6.5? I reload and have a 223 and a 7mm, so the 243 fit in well. The low recoil was also a plus. I used it primarily as a varmint gun, but have taken some Antelope with it. The AI interest me but wonder if it is worth it?
Jim

[Coyote Hunter]

Jim -

I recently went through a similar experience with my Savage sporter-weight .22-250.  After looking at rebarrel costs, I sold it, threw in $150 and got a used like-new Ruger M77 in .257 Roberts, with a Leupold in the rings.

With a Parker-Hale, though, I would definitely go a different route.  Re-chambering to AI is inexpensive, and if it fixes the problem, great.  If it doesn't fix the problem, a rebarrel would be in order.  

The 6.5 is getting close to the 7mm, especially since this has been a varmint gun.  I'd probably stick with the .243 (assuming you have dies and brass).  If I decided to step up a notch, I'd probably go to the .257 Roberts or Roberts AI.  After that it would be a toss-up -- 6.5mmx55, 260 Rem or .308.


Good luck, let us know what you do.

[George Foster]

Jim,

If it were me instead of going with a 243AI I would rebarrel with a 6mm Rem barrel.  You would have the same or more with the 6mm as you would the 243AI.

[onesonek]

Or a rechamber to a 6mmAI. It should clean up the throat, where chances are, the bulk of your accuracy problems are. But it could end up being a $75, 50/50 proposition. I've been told the 6mm with the longer neck, is easier on throats. I don't the whys and what fors on this issue. But I've heard it on several ocassions.
 A good gunsmith should be able to bore scope your exsisting barrel. That will tell you for sure, whether a rebarrel is needed.
Just my thoughts.  Good Luck.
Dave