Browning NRA A-bolt

[Skeptic10787]

I've had a keen eye on the A-bolt NRA edition, but I've never owned a Browning, nor have I owned a 243.
I assume the NRA edition a glorified Hunter, which would mean it carries the same high quality and accuracy as the rest of the a-bolts. I would have rather had the 24" barrel, but then again, the 2in should only make 40fps difference. I've never reloaded the 243, but I doubt it would be hard to pick up.
Here's the biggie. If I bought it, I'd probably end up using it more for the smaller critters than deer. I hear most current 243's are chambered to seat heavier pills... so therefore, when loading lighter bullets, it's difficult if not impossible to seat the bullet close to the rifling.

Any thoughts on the rifle or concerns that might be founded?

[mjbgalt]

my hunter shoots the shorter 60-grain Sierra hollowpoints into a half inch and does the same with 95-grain silvertips. go figure.

either way, best gun i own.

-Matt

[Brithunter]

Hi All,

     Well I am afraid that this "seating the bullet close to the lands" is about the same as the "free floating barrel" deal. It ain't worth worrying about.

    Now take a look at the Swedish mausers  :wink:  they have long throats for that 160 Grain Round Nosed bullet and yet they near all shoot the lighter 120 grain bullets well. Shame some modern made rifles in the same chambering cannot match the real Swedish Mausers in this. Perhaps it's caused by QUALITY ISSUSES rather than some theory. Heck in 6.5x55 SE there are even 77 grain loadings from Norma and they don't shoot to badly either  :lol:

    Now as to the free floated barrel theory................................ well in a poorly seasoned/cured wooden stock that is also bedded like most modern factory rifles are. i.e barely done right    due to cost savings then a floated barrel is a quick cheap fix. However in a properly seasoned and that does not mean quick kiln dried  :roll:  stock with properly cut bedding then the barrel can also be fitted and it will shoot well and not move.

  In other words I think you are overly worrying about nothing  :wink:  I have yet to hear about a .243 win chambered rifle that didn't shoot the lighter bullets well, not shooting the 100 grainers as accurately is another matter, there are those than won't shoot the 100 grain bullets worth a hoot :roll:  which is one reason I have steered well clear of the .243  :wink: .