Got My New Encore 243 barrel!!

[MF]

I got my Fox Ridge .243 Win 26" SS heavy barrel Thursday! I immediately mounted my 3x10 Weaver GS on it using Leupold base and dovetail rings. I then loaded some rounds and went out to my range Sat and today. After sighting in and making adjustments I shot some groups with 80 grain Sierra SBT varminter bullets over some IMR 4350 powder. Best group was .28"(all three touching) and came from 40 grains @2800 fps. The groups opened up to 1.5" as the powder charge was increased and then decreased to .75" @ 3495 fps with 48 grains(2 touching w/flyer). I'll load up some more 48 grain loads and take a little more time with them and hope they group as good as the slower velocity load. I'll be using this for coyotes so I'm hoping the higher velocity loads work for me! Thanks for reading!  :grin: Mike

[haroldclark]

MF,

I bought one last year and it is deadly accurate too, however, I have not been able to shoot smaller than .5" with mine and I had an old friend do that one.

I also, obtained a 7mm TCU 26" from Cknight a while back and it is a real charmer too.

Lots of good shooting with your 243.

Harold Clark

[RipOne]

Congrats on the 243 ....................... I love all the cartridges, but the 243 was one of my best shooters - and fun.

Throughout my many years, I've had to try them all ( Almost all ).

[MF]

Well, I loaded some more of the 48 grain loads and found out that they are a little too hot!  :shock: Flattened the primers so I'm going to back em down a bit and also try some IMR 4895. Let the games begin! Mike

[RipOne]

MIKE:  Think 110 Gr Bullet ............. they will fly the best for the smaller stuff. No need to max out on pwr ............ think smooooth >>>>

[MF]

I ambushed a yote this morning on our citrus ranch. I was on my way to shoot some new loads for the .243 when the yote ran across the road in front of me. I walked across the rows and ambushed Mr. yote when he stepped out into a row 135 yards away. I took an offhand shot and got him right in the boiler room with an 80 grain Nosler b/t in front of 44 grains of IMR 4350. I had shot a group with this load last night so I knew where it was shooting. I then went and shot this load at the range. They would shoot consistent .50" groups @ 3190fps. I think I'm good to go with that! :grin: Mike

[Kentone]

Hi Guys,

On monday I put a check in the mail, It was going to Ed for a 243
barrel. A factory 24 inch with iron sights. On saturday the mailman
handed it to me. Great service from Ed and the US Postal Service!

I cleaned the barrel inside and out very good and put it on a frame.
Picked up two boxes of Winchester 100 gr. spire point ammo and
went to the range.

Shot from 50 yards, sitting position. The first 5 rounds went into 1.300 inch. The second 5 went into 1.250 inch. This with iron sights and 50
year old eyes. I think this is amazing!

I will do some reloading and go a greater distance.

Anyway, I shot the 40 rounds I had. Never got down to the magic one
inch but never got bigger than 1.600. This is a great barrel!

Take Care

[longwinters]

Kentone,  The Thompson setups can be excellent shooters.  Glad to hear that you are happy with yours.  And great shooting to boot!

long