Weatherby Mark V

[cox3497]

Weatherby Mark V in .243 Win.

Hey Guys,

I've got some questions for ya! I've finally been able to get my hands on a Weatherby Mark V. The particular model I got is the Weatherby Mark V stainless in .243 Winchester. I've been pretty excited about this gun and all, and decided to do some research on the cartridge last night. I found out -- something that I really didn't know -- that the .243 is something of a barrel burner. The article I read said that very rarely do you get over 2000 rounds out of the barrel before it needs replaced. The .308 on the other hand gets approximately 4000 rounds of target grade accuracy. Now, the whole point of buying this gun is that it is a Weatherby. I chose .243 because most of my other rifles are high powered and I had nothing in the .243 class. I would, however, like to shoot my rifle and expect it to last. I know I can have it rebarreled, but that just seems to have altered its status as an original weatherby -- that probably sounds stupid, but I'm pretty big into my guns

All that to say this. I bought this from CDNN as the Mark V stainless has been discontinued and is now sold at a cheaper price. The only problem is they have it in only three calibers -- .22-250 (an even worse barrel burner), .243, and .308. Do you think I should just sell my unfired .243 and get something I can shoot (.308), or just suck it up and have it rebarreled when the barrel burns out? Your opinions are appreciated.

cox3497

 

[MartinS]

I don't have a .243 but I have talked with a few shooters who do. They told me about their load development, hunting experience etc. Short barrel life was never mentioned. I would shoot the rifle, if you like it as much they did your concern will go away.

 

[cox3497]

Martin,

Thanks for the response. I appreciate your comments. If the barrel does wear out, however, how much of a project, do you think, it would be to rebarrel it? I'm thinking that since this is on a short action (.243), you could rebarrel it to any short action caliber you want -- is this correct? If this is the case, when I shoot out the barrel I could rebarrel it to something like .308 which would last much longer. What do you think of this idea? Am I correct in my thinking that one could rebarrel it to a different caliber? How much might it cost to rebarrel, do you think? I looked up the company that makes the barrels Weatherby puts on their rifles, and they charge $270 -- is this a standard price? Thanks for any input!

cox3497

 

[Essex County]

I've had a Mark V in .243 for about five years. I am extremely pleased with it. I wouldn't worry about barrel wear too much. It's really letting the barrel getting too hot without letting it cool that's the culprit....Essex

 

[cox3497]

Essex County,

Thanks for your thoughts. How do you like the caliber relative to the others available. What do you use your rifle for -- targets, small game, deer? If you do use yours for deer, what is the maximum range you are willing to take them with this particular cartridge? I've not yet had a .243 and am interested on its performance in the field. Also, what brand of optics did you decide to outfit your rifle with. I am thinking of putting a Nikon Monarch on it, but am not quite sure yet. Thanks for any insight you might have.

cox3497