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BSA Featherweight .243

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21 June 2020, 07:52
Rhodes
BSA Featherweight .243
If anybody out there has a BSA Royal Featherweight, the very early ones with the sculptured, lightweight receiver and the factory muzzle break,are you able to help me with some measurements.

I'm trying to get a hold of the factory muzzle diameter on this model. If you could measure this for me it'd be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
21 June 2020, 09:33
458Win
I had my wife's BSA Royal 243 featherweight rebored by Sam May , at Apex barrels in Flagstaff, that should date me. He asked if he could remove the brake and I approved. But right behind the brake it measures .610
Hope that helps.


Anyone who claims the 30-06 is ineffective has either not tried one, or is unwittingly commenting on their own marksmanship
Phil Shoemaker
Alaska Master guide
FAA Master pilot
NRA Benefactor www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com
21 June 2020, 10:31
Rhodes
Yes that helps.

What length did the barrel end up at and what cal did you have it re-bored to if you don't mind my asking?
21 June 2020, 10:41
458Win
I think the remaining barrel is 18", it was cut off right behind the recoil slots, which is probably the same as the original muzzle.
And I had it rebored to 308. It's a pretty handy little carbine


Anyone who claims the 30-06 is ineffective has either not tried one, or is unwittingly commenting on their own marksmanship
Phil Shoemaker
Alaska Master guide
FAA Master pilot
NRA Benefactor www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com
21 June 2020, 10:50
Rhodes
Great info, thanks.

I'm having one re-barrelled to .358 cal. I don't have the original barrel to check dimensions. Looks like the Factory profile has plenty of meat for the larger bore.

Cheers
21 June 2020, 21:55
458Win
I considered the 358 when I found the 243 BSA as I was a fan of the caliber and would have been a fine one for Alaska. But my wife is small woman and just wanted her own rifle so I settled on the 308. It has been a good choice, although had the 260 or 7/08 been available at the time I might have chosen those.
The Royal action is a good one.


Anyone who claims the 30-06 is ineffective has either not tried one, or is unwittingly commenting on their own marksmanship
Phil Shoemaker
Alaska Master guide
FAA Master pilot
NRA Benefactor www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com
22 June 2020, 12:41
Rhodes
tu2
24 June 2020, 07:13
Mike Rowe
30-06 is .625 right behind the brake. 600 muzzle
24 June 2020, 11:11
Rhodes
Thanks Mike.

I'm assuming the rifling stops at the brake and is a straight bore from there?
26 June 2020, 21:28
Mike Rowe
Yes - it stops just before the forward angled hole, and is reamed to about .370"
26 June 2020, 22:26
458Win
That is the way I remember the brake as well and was why Sam May thought he could do a better reboring job if he removed them.


Anyone who claims the 30-06 is ineffective has either not tried one, or is unwittingly commenting on their own marksmanship
Phil Shoemaker
Alaska Master guide
FAA Master pilot
NRA Benefactor www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com
27 June 2020, 00:43
Bill Leeper
I rebarreled one, to 256 Newton, and machined a copy of the factory brake into the new barrel. I added a threaded restrictor at the muzzle which made the brake work way better I also made an internal sleeve which could be inserted in place of the restrictor to shut off the brake. I like the BSA actions too. Regards, Bill