View attachment 1083689 View attachment 1083690 So I’m in the load development phase of a .243.
I used 30 factory rounds for barrel break in. Another 40 (10 4 shot groups) to try a couple different powders and learn what velocity the barrel likes.
I have 32 rounds just waiting for a windless day. These are around where it shot best on the initial shooting, with 2 separate OALs.
If the range day is successful, then I’ll shoot 3 more 5 shot groups of what it appears to like best to verify.
Then maybe a 1/2 dozen rounds to get it sighted in at 200.
Then a minimum of 1 5 shot group at 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 and 500.
Best case scenario, I’ll have 150 rounds through the barrel just developing a load. This could easily be 200 or more depending on how the next range session goes.
Given an estimate of a 1,200 round lifespan, I think it’ll last me a long time since it’s primary function is going to be as a Coyote gun.
Based on my initial testing, the gun prefers a load nearly 2 grains below max and I’m using a relatively slow burning powder so maybe barrel life will be more?
But when I do load development, I usually shoot 3 guns, single shot from each gun. This allows the barrel of each to cool for 4-5 minutes between rounds. And then .243 is such a pleasure to shoot, It’ll probably be 1 that tags along often.
I had my barrel, action, rings and mag Cerakoted so if I ever get to the point it starts to lose accuracy, I’ll probably just have the barrel turned down 1 or 2 threads depending on the wear, reamed and threads extended, and start over.