New Rifle Project

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I've been thinking about a rifle with fast handling abilities, short barreled and light weight. A rifle that could be used for anything from deer sized game on down. My first thought when I think of this kind of rifle is a 30/30 lever action, but I want it to be flat shooting to at least 200 yards with no corrections to my point of aim for any target bigger than 3". That means the rifle won't shoot higher or lower than 1.5" all the way out to 200 yards or better. The rifle also should be easy on the shoulder in order to take fast shots. So I looked around my reloading books, played with some numbers on my Point Blank ballistics calculator( www.huntingnut.com/index.php?name=News&topic=4 ) and came up with a good all around cartridge, the .243. When I compare the numbers from an 18" barreled .243 shooting 100gr. bullets to a 30/30 from a 20" barrel shooting 150gr. bullets I find that the .243 will be traveling faster (2410FPS) at 170 yards than the 30/30 does at the muzzle. In terms of energy, the .243 in this configuration retains over 1000 Ft. Lbs. of energy all the way out to 300 yards, while the 30/30 drops below 1000 Ft. Lbs. before it gets to the 200 yard mark. In order to get the handling ability that I want, I came up with what I think is a rather unique bolt action rifle. It weighs in at less than 7lbs. with the scope attached. The scope is a fixed 2.5X with a European style post and crosshair recticle that is real quick to line up on game. The rifle has an abbreviated 18" barrel, having removed 4" from the original 22" barrel.
I'll get a picture up as soon as I can. I haven't taken it to the range yet, but will also post those results.
Don

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Didn't get to the range yet, but did take a few pot shots at a coffee can to make sure it's close. Meanwhile here's a few photos.
Don

[juliang]

Hey Don, I love your idea. The rifle, is it a Stevens? I am tinkering with different loads for my CZ550 in 243. I have H4831sc ,which works so well in my 7mm, I loaded up some rounds but due to wind and the general drunkeness of the season, I have yet to shoot them. I have 85gr Sierra GK on the bench at the moment. I tried some 55gr NBT earlier in the year , over Varget with OK results. I have some 60gr Sierra varmint bullets to try also. I love the concept of the same rifle for deer and varmints.

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Yep a Stevens 200. I don't have a problem messin' with the cheaper guns. In this size and weight it almost reminds me of the Ruger Compact.
For the .243 H414 powder is supposed to work pretty well. I have some H4350 which has the same burn rate so I want to give it a try. I've had good luck with RL-19 and even IMR7828SC with 100gr. Sierra Pro-hunter and Nosler 85 gr. Partition bullets. I have some lighter 55 and 75gr. V-max bullets to play with. I tried Barnes 85gr. TSX bullets, but the rifle didn't seem to like them. Faster powders like Varget, BL-C(2) or even Benchmark might work better form this shorter barrel.
Don