21 June 2020, 07:52
RhodesBSA 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
458WinI 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.
21 June 2020, 10:31
RhodesYes 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
458WinI 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
21 June 2020, 10:50
RhodesGreat 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
458WinI 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.
24 June 2020, 07:13
Mike Rowe30-06 is .625 right behind the brake. 600 muzzle
24 June 2020, 11:11
RhodesThanks Mike.
I'm assuming the rifling stops at the brake and is a straight bore from there?
26 June 2020, 21:28
Mike RoweYes - it stops just before the forward angled hole, and is reamed to about .370"
26 June 2020, 22:26
458WinThat 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.
27 June 2020, 00:43
Bill LeeperI 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