Author Topic: "New" .243 from lik2hunt (Read 597 times)

Paul5388 · « **on:** July 09, 2005, 06:46:17 PM »

I really didn't do much today with this "new" barrel I got from lik2hunt yesterday. I did mount it on an SB2 receiver and mounted a new Bushnell 3-9X 40mm cheapest of the line, Sharp Shooter, with Weaver Quad rings. I only loaded 5 rounds of 34.5 gr Varget with a 100 gr Rem PSP Core-Lokt in Fed brass and a Win LR primer.

I checked the OAL that was possible and I definitely can hit the rifling! I settled on 2.765" as an OAL, which is just off the rifling, just to see how it shot.

I never did find the first shot, so I put up more paper to try to locate the second shot. It was only 48 clicks to the left and 24 clicks low at 50 yards! The third shot was right in the center of the bull's eye, but y'all know it takes a while to foul these barrels to where they shoot the best. The last two shots were a little lower than the third shot, but the last three shots still grouped at about 1 1/2".

No, I'm not satisfied with that accuracy, but I don't believe it's the barrel's fault. I think the accuracy potential is there, I just need to find what it likes best.

While I'm at it, the barrel locked up perfectly on this receiver and when I checked, it would lock up on a .001" feeler gauge, but it couldn't be pulled out. I call that a perfect fit! 5 rounds shot, no stuck cases and it never even tried to pop open after a shot.

I'm using this barrel on the same receiver I have been shooting the .30-30 barrel on and to me, there is less recoil with this Varget load than what I get when I shoot jacketed .30-30s.

handirifle · « **Reply #1 on:** July 09, 2005, 06:56:31 PM »

Paul
Sounds like we are on the same quest here. Good luck.

Speaking of lockup, does anyone have pics of where Fred M said to hone to allow a more complete lockup?

Paul5388 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 09, 2005, 07:11:44 PM »

Handi,

The part I hone is the angled shelf right below the extractor/ejector. If you look, there is usually some forging slag/marks that tend to keep the locking mechanism from fully pivoting into place. There is also usually a shiny spot where it is trying to lock, but can't. Just remember to keep the angle the same and check for function as you go.

I just fit a 12 gauge Pardner barrel to an old H&R shotgun frame. It would try to lock up, but wouldn't quite do it. After a little honing, everything works fine.

If the distance from the hinge pin socket on the barrel to the end of the barrel (chamber face) is too long, all the shelf honing in the world won't make it fit.

handirifle · « **Reply #3 on:** July 09, 2005, 09:55:42 PM »

Barrel fits fine just opened on me once and want to cure that.

lik2hunt · « **Reply #4 on:** July 10, 2005, 12:14:54 AM »

Paul,
If you get a chance to try the data I sent you it might work out for that barrel. Hope you can find it's sweet spot and the right load recipe. But I imagine you can. Good job on the lockup.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 10, 2005, 04:39:01 AM »

I would suggest polishing the bore with Flitz and a oversized bore mop...give it about 30-50 strokes thru the barrel adding Flitz every 10-15 passes...flush it out completely...and then clean it normally...then try it again...also if your shots are still going wild on the first shot...try putting a pressure point right up near the tip of the barrel channel in the forearm...I remember Quickdtoo doing that on his Manlicher stock and having success shrinking his groups down a-lot...I had good luck using Nosler's Combined Technology bullets..the 95 grainers over Reloader 22...they shot real good for me...and the factory loading of the 55 grainers wasn't too bad...and could be tweaked with the seating dept to shoot good too...

Good Luck

Mac

Paul5388 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 10, 2005, 03:41:09 PM »

I already had a couple of different loads from last night, so I managed to brave the heat at around 5:00 pm and got them shot.

I used the 34.5 gr Varget load with 100 gr Rem Core-Lokt again, just to give it a fair try. The only reason I tried it was Lyman 48th Edition suggested it would be the most accurate.

Since I have 8 pounds of surplus IMR 4895, I figured I would try that also. Something has to shoot that stuff good!

At 100 yards, the Varget load shot 3" in a straight horizontal line. The IMR load was 2 1/4" in a more circular group.

With every gun being a unique specimen, did I really expect the Varget load to shoot the best? Not really, but it was worth a try!

I have 10 rounds of Fed Premium 100 gr factory loads I got from Bis that I'll try next. That will give me something to compare with and also see if they keyhole like they did out of his bull barrel. I'm beginning to think they cut his barrel for varmint use at 1 in 12" instead of a 1 in 10" like it was supposed to be.

Since I already have Reloder 22 and IMR 3031, I will probably end up trying both of them also.

lik2hunt · « **Reply #7 on:** July 10, 2005, 04:37:25 PM »

Might try dropping down to some 90 or 95 grain bullets. The 100 grainers just may not work in that barrel. I'm just guessing tho based on other people's results. Like I said before, I never put a round thru it. Sounds like you're on the right path to find the ideal load.

Paul5388 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 10, 2005, 06:34:16 PM »

lik2hunt,

I don't have a problem with this barrel or our transaction. It's just going to take a little time to sort it out and make it shoot good.

It has been rare when I have ever found a good load from the beginning, so progress reports usually mean longer threads. That may save someone else a lot of trouble in the long run. Besides, looking for a load is part of the fun of it all! :grin: