243 twist rate

[454c]

I've been looking at getting a 243 and I've noticed nobody seems to agree with the rate of twistThey range from
1-10
1-9.25
1-9 1/8
1-9
I know they're close but does one have advantage over the other?My main purpose for the gun is for family use during deer season so I'll be shooting heavy bullets for that.The rest of the time it'll ride in my truck as a varmit gun.

 

[Frohickey]

For hunting and long range matches, you are better served with a faster twist.

I remember getting some 107gr bullets for the 243, and on the ad, it said you need at least a 1/9 twist to properly stabilize them.

 

[Drue]

Generally speaking, longer bullets need a faster twist to stabilize them properly. I have a Rem 700 ADL in .243 with a 1 in 9-1/8 factory barrel and it shoots bullets weighing from 60 to 100 grains just fine. This covers the "varmits to deer" range which is the .243's nitch. I bought a box of the Sierra 107gr Matchkings and it is marked "for 7 and 8 inch twists only." They also work fine in my 9-1/8, of course my .243 is a sporter not a match rifle where the bar would be higher and I have only tested it at 200 yards.

Drue

 

[MrMunster]

This is addressed in the Nov issue of Outdoor Life by Jim Carmichel. Might want to check it out as reference point.

He scientifically compared 1-8, 1-9, and 1-10 barrels using a variety of different bullets. The results were pretty interesting.

 

[454c]

Thanks for the info.I'm glad to hear the Remmy handles several bullet sizes,since one of the guns I'm considering is a model 7.

 

[MeekandMild]

Savage is using a 9.25 twist nowadays. My Savage does well with 85 and 100 gr, less so with 110 gr reloads. "Less so" is relative, with patterns a half to 3/4 inch bigger at 100 yards for the 110 gr versus 100 gr.