Hello, Kinda knocking around a 22-250AI or 22-243 Middlestead with a 1/7 or 1/8 twist. More likely would settle on the AI. Probably a 27 inch tube on either. For you guys that have built guns before what would you estimate the cost of the following project to be? Other requirements below
Send in the stripped "donor" action less stock Dont know what kind of action yet but like the Browning Abolt, or the Win70 I would need the following done 1. Square up the reciever and bolt face 2. Attach a heavy type of barrel, chambered as above, 2a. Install muzzle brake (not sure yet)
I would re-stock it myself, install the trigger myself. Would there be any addtional cost for cutting the threads such that the rifle could be a switch barrel in the future?
------------------ Safety & Ethics,Accuracy, Velocity, Energy Joe M
What bullet weight are you planning to shoot? Unless you are planning on some kind of low drag 90gr bullet, you don't need a 7 twist with either caliber. The price will vary some depending on which action you chose, and which barrel maker, ballpark figure, $400-600. Muzzle brake will add from $140-200.
Duane, As you know, there are some "long for caliber" bullets out there, in the 60-70 grain range that will not work in many factory rifles except a full-race AR-15, with the fast twist. Called tech-support and both Hornady and Sierra, and it is a definate No-go on the 22-250 I have now. Standard 1-14 twist. So maybe the 1-8? My 22-250 thus far shoots like a house afire with anything up to 50 grains, 55 grains, even, get real marginal accuracy.
------------------ Safety & Ethics,Accuracy, Velocity, Energy Joe M
Get in touch with Chris at Pac-Nor barrels. Makes superb barrels and can true up your action and fit one of his barrels at a price hard to believe. I don't know if he fits muzzle brakes but if he doesn't, I'm sure he could suggest someone.
Posts: 4360 | Location: Sunny Southern California | Registered: 22 May 2002
Just curious, why the muzzle brake on something like this? If you use a heavy 27" barrel then you're going to end up with a 10 lb. or more rifle and that thing will barely kick at all using either of the two rounds you mentioned. You'll probably be able to watch the impact through the scope.
Joe; There isn't a 60-70gr bullet made that a 10 twist 22-343 won't stabilize- remember we are not talking 223 velocities- a 22-243 will easily push a 70 gr bullet 3600fps. If 70gr is the "biggest" bullet you will shoot a 10 twist will work in either the 22-250AI or the 22-243, if you want to shoot 75-80gr you will probably need an 8 twist with the 22-250AI for the 80's, 9 will work for the 75's and the 22-243 will take both with a 9 twist. I have shot 90gr, 10 o'give, flat based bullets with a 9 twist 22-243 with no problems.
Two good reasons for a muzzle brake. #1 you won't see where your bullet strikes without one using a cartidge with the amount of powder the cartidges mentioned use, and (2) the use of the brake will keep other shooters from getting too close to you(grin).
Posts: 4360 | Location: Sunny Southern California | Registered: 22 May 2002
Personally I can recommend the 22-250 AI with a 1-8 twist barrel to shoot the 77 grain Sierra Match Kings or (even better) the Berger 80 grain VLD bullets. I had a Remington 700 short action rifle done up by a local gunsmith who cuts and rifles his own barrels in house and it has turned out to be the most accurate rifle I have ever personally seen at 500 and 600 yards. I really want to shoot it a bit more at longer ranges, but nothing is available to me. Using the 80 grain Bergers and Reloader 22 powder, I am getting consistent 5 shot groups of 1" to 2" in still conditions. I shoot in the prone position using a bipod and a 36 power target scope. This afternoon I went to the range and was shooting at the 400 meter turkey metal silouettes (?sp) and was sighting in on the head, which is about 2" in diameter. It was nice because I could see where the bullet splattered the black metal until I hit it enough that the entire head was nice and lead splattered. I do not personally know anybody else who owns a rifle in this configuration, so I cannot say if mine is just a lucky fluke or if they can all shoot this well. Oh yes, definitely spend the cash for first rate optics and a first rate trigger.
