Newbie re-barreling...

[Duramaximos]

Considering re-barreling my Savage 243W in favour of a 243AI with 8 twist.
My goal is to shoot 105gr Amax or VLD's.

I very much enjoy the rifle, but depending on the cost of new barrel, I might consider replacing it for a factory made 243AI ...assuming one is available 8:1.

I'm at square 1, and looking for any suggestions to start me on my way.

Thanks.

ps, I did touch on the Shilen web site and noticed they have "drop-in" replacements for the Savage rifles, but the price tag ($375 + 300 for export) puts this option slightly out of reach.

[tchardy1972]

Your first stop should be mysticprecision.com Jerry can help you get everything you need. Once you have all the parts the swap should take you no more than 15 mins. I bought a 30" 1" diam. 6.5 shilin SS select match from him for $500 dollars. Still waiting for my headspace gauge but it should be quite the shooter.

[eric2381]

I very highly doubt you will find a factory 243 AI with an 8 twist for cheap.

A prechambered, prethreaded Shilen or McGowen would do the trick nicely.

[eric2381]

Originally Posted by tchardy1972

Your first stop should be mysticprecision.com Jerry can help you get everything you need. Once you have all the parts the swap should take you no more than 15 mins. I bought a 30" 1" diam. 6.5 shilin SS select match from him for $500 dollars. Still waiting for my headspace gauge but it should be quite the shooter.

I agree. Talk to Jerry at mysticprecision for a barrel and advice.

[tchardy1972]

Originally Posted by eric2381

I very highly doubt you will find a factory 243 AI with an 8 twist for cheap.

A prechambered, prethreaded Shilen or McGowen would do the trick nicely.

A 243AI barrel costs no more than anything else as long as they have the reamer. Without looking I do believe that Shilen does offer it and I think you could go to 1-7 if you wanted. The only time a barrel costs more is if you go from a match to a select match or start adding inches after 26".

[Duramaximos]

Thanks everyone!

[eric2381]

Originally Posted by tchardy1972

A 243AI barrel costs no more than anything else as long as they have the reamer. Without looking I do believe that Shilen does offer it and I think you could go to 1-7 if you wanted. The only time a barrel costs more is if you go from a match to a select match or start adding inches after 26".

I fully understand that. I've looked over the list of chamberings available in the Shilen prechambered barrels many times. McGowen also offers prechambered barrels and they'll also do chamberings not on the list, at an extra charge of $65 for the reamer rental.

The 243 AI is on the list of prechambered barrels available. But, the original poster was asking about factory rifles being offered in 243 AI. EG: Savage 10 in 243 AI. I was saying that there is no such thing.

Going to a Cooper or other highend rifle that chambering may be available. But it would cost more than a new aftermarket barrel.

[Duramaximos]

Originally Posted by eric2381

...Going to a Cooper or other highend rifle that chambering may be available. But it would cost more than a new aftermarket barrel.

That's what I figured.

I've been in contact with Jerry, and I'm going with a Shilen pre-fit 243AI.
Unfortunately, he needs 5-ish months to get me set-up and that just won't do for this year's big game season. Too bad for me .

...I'll try to time the new barrel for coyote season instead

[eric2381]

Sounds like you have a helluva plan.

Are you gonna install it yourself, or have someone do it for you?

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by eric2381

Sounds like you have a helluva plan.

Are you gonna install it yourself, or have someone do it for you?

It's a savage, it's as easy as twisting the nut off with a savage barrel nu wrench, and throwing in a head space gauge!
Cat

[Duramaximos]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

It's a savage, it's as easy as twisting the nut off with a savage barrel nu wrench, and throwing in a head space gauge!
Cat

I had considered doing it myself but Jerry only charges $50 to install it. As simple as it sounds $50 is just too cheap for me to take any chances.

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by Duramaximos

I had considered doing it myself but Jerry only charges $50 to install it. As simple as it sounds $50 is just too cheap for me to take any chances.

The thing is with that bolt head you can buy two barrels and switch them up - 22/250, 243AI, 308, etc.....
it really is not difficult....
Cat

[Duramaximos]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

The thing is with that bolt head you can buy two barrels and switch them up - 22/250, 243AI, 308, etc.....
it really is not difficult....
Cat

Thanks a lot! Just when I thought I had a nice simple solution in place you go and give me ideas like that! I have had my eye on a 223 for a while now

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by Duramaximos

Thanks a lot! Just when I thought I had a nice simple solution in place you go and give me ideas like that! I have had my eye on a 223 for a while now

You'll need to change the bolt head if you want to go .223/243AI!
That may be a bit of a hassle for you, it's no biggy however, just that most of the combinations I've seen and put together over the years were 22/250 for the varmint gun and either 243 or 308 for the deer rifle.
Cat

[eric2381]

That's what I like about the savage/Stevens rifles. Easy to change the barrel out yourself if you have a bit of understanding.

I've been aching for a 6.5 Gibbs. But that chambering isn't available in either the normal chambering lists or the special reamer list from McGowen or Shilen.

I might need to get a blank and have the work done. Then install it myself.