22-243 middlestead

[Paper Boy]

Anyone play with this round? I am looking at it as a future build...

[Whiterabbit]

whats the advantage over either 22-250 AI or 220 swift?

[Paper Boy]

From what I have seen so far, higher velocities. But thats depending on how far you push the load...

[shooterbill]

With the increased speeds, barrel life is shortened. The 243 is known as a barrel burner as is the 220 swift. I'm building a custom 243 right now and was told to expect around 1,500 rounds as a useful life.

[Whiterabbit]

Google tells me 22-250 AI is faster with lighter bullets, and that all three are about the same with heavies.

If that is all true, then IMO I'd go with the AI. You can still shoot factory from it to fireform and brass is pretty plentiful with a minimum of effort for forming.

If those are not criteria you are concerned with, knock yourself out. But I don't see an advantage of 22-243 over the AI or the 220 swift. 22-250 AI would definitely get my vote if the same performance in the most resource-conscious way is desired.

Can you just run 243 in the sizer then trim to make the brass for 22-243?

[Paper Boy]

With the increased speeds, barrel life is shortened. The 243 is known as a barrel burner as is the 220 swift. I'm building a custom 243 right now and was told to expect around 1,500 rounds as a useful life.

Ya thats one downside but it still intrists me...

Can you just run 243 in the sizer then trim to make the brass for 22-243?

Yes

[shooterbill]

I know what you mean. Speed is a fascination of mine also. My 22-250 with 50gr VMax is about 3800 fps. Hornady loads their Superformance varmint loads at 4000 for the same bullet. I might have to try the Superformance powder to squeeze some more fps.

[Whiterabbit]

well, sounds like a cool project either way then, good luck if you move forward with it. Sounds like a cheaper-brass version of the 220 Swift.



edit: ....speed freak? 22 eargesplitten loudenboomer?

[Paper Boy]

I know what you mean. Speed is a fascination of mine also. My 22-250 with 50gr VMax is about 3800 fps. Hornady loads their Superformance varmint loads at 4000 for the same bullet. I might have to try the Superformance powder to squeeze some more fps.

Whats the lightest bullet you have tried?

well, sounds like a cool project either way then, good luck if you move forward with it. Sounds like a cheaper-brass version of the 220 Swift.



edit: ....speed freak? 22 eargesplitten loudenboomer?

Thank you. I actually had a moment the first time I saw that round where I though about it. Thankfully that passed

[shooterbill]

The lightest I have tried is a 45gr Barnes. I use 50 gr Vmax and haven't been disappointed. I have heard that with 35gr or 40 gr you can get about 4300 fps. I found a load that gives me a 1 hole group at 100, so I don't mess with it.