243 twist rate

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KjBeachy

Member
I'm looking for a truck/tractor gun, was thinking of a ruger american ranch. I want to shoot 55 grain bullets since I'll most likely be shooting groundhogs with it. What twist rate handles the lighter 243 bullets best? I don't reload, so factory ammo only
 
Any of the common ruger twist rates will work with 55 grain.
The issue is matching the muzzle speed of the pill against what the barrel likes.

There are theories about the optimum barrel time (OBT)
but not reloading puts you at a disadvantage for finding that best load.
You may get lucky experimenting with factory loads, as seen as good target grouping.
Once the magic load is found, stock up on them and don't look back.

Also, if in the future you want to shoot heavy for calibre pills (+90 gn),
you may then wish it was a twist 9:1 or 8:1.
 
The 1/10" twist on my .243 AI handles the 55 grain bullets with aplomb. I was pleased that they shot cloverleafs for me at 100 yards. But if I was building me a .243 today that I was only going to shoot 55 grainers in then I would be fine with either a 1/12" or even a 1/14" twist.
 
JMO, but if I was wanting to shoot 55 grain bullets, I'd look at a 22-250. Heavier pills, then yes, a 243. Opinions will vary.
 
Iam with Rusty on this one . I have a custom ruger with a 1 in 13 twist just for shooting 55 gr NBTs its 28 in lilja barrel. its shoots them at around. 4350 ftps. Its not pelt friendly.
 
I just started a thread last week on the subject in the reloading forum I believe.
Ill link it here http://www.predatormastersforums.com/for...505#Post3259505

The general consensus is that a 55 gr will work in most factory barrels of 1:10 twist and the 70 gr seems to be more for 1:9. If you dont handload, buy a few different brands in the weight you want to shoot (Hornady, Nosler and Federal all make it in similar weights to 55 gr) and try them in your chosen rifle.
 
Not a lot of differences if any between the 22-250 and the 243. Not being one that reloads, I was thinking the 250 might be a better choice. Depending on available ammo, not many differences.
 
I’ve been considering getting a 22 250 or a 243. After looking at the ballistic of a 22 250 shooting a 55 gr Vmax vs the 243 shooting a 75 gr Vmax. I went with the 243. I just found me a Rem 700 24” barrel in 243 on clearance at a local Walmart, ordered a Boyd feather weight thumbhole stock to replace the plastic one, ordered a rifle basix 2 lb trigger, and a 6x24x50 vortex scope, leupold base and rings. Now all I need is to put it all together and hopefully find some ammo for it.
 
Originally Posted By: pyscodogJMO, but if I was wanting to shoot 55 grain bullets, I'd look at a 22-250. Heavier pills, then yes, a 243. Opinions will vary.

My thoughts as well. I know a lot of guys use the 243 Win for 55 gr bullets but I have a 220 Swift for that. I just put together a 243 Win and finished load development for it. I am shooting the Barnes 80 gr TTSX.

There are lots of bullets and lots of weights to choose from when shooting a 243 Win and I believe it is a wonderful crossover caliber.
If I were to have just one caliber for everything deer size on down, I believe this would be a great choice.

The nice thing is you can shoot the 55 gr bullets with it and also shoot a 100 gr if you want.
 
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