I want to put a new varmint rig together and here's what I had in mind...... Stevens 200, barrel shortened to 19", new stock, 10x scope. But here's my problem, I know .223 doesn't suffer much from a shorter barrel and the max range I'm looking for is about 500m, how does the .243 do for accuracy out of a shorter barrel? anyone know?
.243 Varmint gun?
- Thread starter rat-7
- Start date
Homesteader
CGN Regular
- Location
- In a Wallow West of Edmonton.
All things equal a shorter barell will have more accuracy potential due to less barrel whip(stiffness), and dwell time.......but you never know. I'd shoot the rifle in factory form first, you may find it shoots so good, that you can live the extra 3" of barrel.
I do like a compact varminter though. I took a Remington factory heavy barrel had it turned down slightly and shortend to 20" and put it on my model 7. It is my favorite field rifle for varmints. It's a .223, and yes there is some velocity loss, but things still blow up and you get used to the trajectory, similar to my 30-06.
You may want to consider a shorter factory barrel right off the go, gunsmithing isn't cheap. Maybe a pimpin little model 7 CDL, not sure if they are 20" from factory, if they are it maybe cheaper in the long run to go that route.
I do like a compact varminter though. I took a Remington factory heavy barrel had it turned down slightly and shortend to 20" and put it on my model 7. It is my favorite field rifle for varmints. It's a .223, and yes there is some velocity loss, but things still blow up and you get used to the trajectory, similar to my 30-06.
You may want to consider a shorter factory barrel right off the go, gunsmithing isn't cheap. Maybe a pimpin little model 7 CDL, not sure if they are 20" from factory, if they are it maybe cheaper in the long run to go that route.
500 meters is too far for the .243. It's really a 300 yard/meter cartridge. However, the length of the barrel isn't a determining factor for accuracy. It is for velocity though. You'll lose a fair bit of velocity with a short barrel. A Remington factory loaded 90 grain bullet has 2199fps at 400 yards, but less than 1,000 ft-lbs of energy. Sighted in at 200, it'll drop like a brick between 300 and 400 too. Drops 12" between 300 and 400. At 500 yards, it drops 38" from zero. The 19" barrel won't help this.
A heavy 62 grain .223 bullet is worse though. With the 200 yard zero, it drops about 20" between 300 and 400 with under 500 ft-lbs of energy past 300 yards.
Either cartridge will be ok for ground hogs, if you can hit or even see one at long range, but may be too light for clean kill on a coyote.
You'll want a fast rifling twist too. Heavy bullets(85 grains and up) are needed for long range. They stabilize best with a fast twist. 1 in 9.5 or faster. Most commercial .243 hunting rifles are rifled for heavy bullets. Even heavy varmint barrels.
A fixed 10X scope isn't ideal either. Varmints can appear out of nowhere at close range. You won't be able to see it well enough for a clean shot. Had one on my .243 long ago. It's got a 2.5x to 8x on it now.
"...not sure if they are 20" from factory..." It comes with 20" and 22" barrels depending on the cartridge.
A heavy 62 grain .223 bullet is worse though. With the 200 yard zero, it drops about 20" between 300 and 400 with under 500 ft-lbs of energy past 300 yards.
Either cartridge will be ok for ground hogs, if you can hit or even see one at long range, but may be too light for clean kill on a coyote.
You'll want a fast rifling twist too. Heavy bullets(85 grains and up) are needed for long range. They stabilize best with a fast twist. 1 in 9.5 or faster. Most commercial .243 hunting rifles are rifled for heavy bullets. Even heavy varmint barrels.
A fixed 10X scope isn't ideal either. Varmints can appear out of nowhere at close range. You won't be able to see it well enough for a clean shot. Had one on my .243 long ago. It's got a 2.5x to 8x on it now.
"...not sure if they are 20" from factory..." It comes with 20" and 22" barrels depending on the cartridge.
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Pickles, worry not, god of all that is firearm, His Majesty, King Sunray, will enlighten you to the errors in your ways. Forget Logic, embrace SUNRAY!
500m is fine for a .243. personaly I would choose a different rifle, and wouldn't see much point in chopping the barrel.
500m is fine for a .243. personaly I would choose a different rifle, and wouldn't see much point in chopping the barrel.
DragonFire
CGN Regular
- Location
- mid Canada
I took two deer last fall with my Stevens200 in .243. One was at 300yds and the other was around 350yds.....both went no farther than 50yds before they expired.
Shot Jackrabbits with the same rig all winter too. Most of those Jacks were taken anywhere out to 400yds.
Just my observation of the .243.
DF
Shot Jackrabbits with the same rig all winter too. Most of those Jacks were taken anywhere out to 400yds.
Just my observation of the .243.
DF
243 @ 500 yd kills coyotes well! A couple things you will need; a range finder becouse if its 525 & you think it 500 you miss.. lots of practice. & practice at range. 400 & 500 yd shot while not easy are very makeable. I do it evere winter. There are lots better shots here but I practice & know the gun. You can do the same. .02 from AJ
Farlsincharge
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Saskatchewan
The rangefinder sure makes things a lot easier. I shoot coyotes out to 550 maybe close to 600 with my .243 no problem (for the gun, not me
). I like my .223 for anything under 350 though.
punkrockboy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Eastern Bantario!
.223 is cheaper, and more readily available, with a lot more options for ammo!!
