Opinions on Factory .243Win

G

greengt88

Well-known member
Looking for some opinions on a factory bolt action .243Win
Wanting to shoot 58-87gr bullets.
Most of the options I see seem to have a 1:8twist. Not sure that is the best twist rate for the lighter weight bullet range I want to use.
I have 2 other .243’s but neither really likes the lightweight stuff. Both prefer 95gr+
Prefer a Wood stock, and European maker, something mid level but not opposed to others.
Tikka Hunter model is my top choice, but has the 1:8
TIA
 
BleedsBlue said:
The Ruger American is pretty hard to beat ....comes in 1-9 twist.
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I have 243's from different makers and the one that has risen to the top of my list is the Ruger American. With no mod's of any kind I was happy to find point of impact between a 100gr and a 58gr at 75 yds was only 5/8'' vertical. I have some 87gr on order and hope it will shoot it as well.
 
Have had several, never had a problem shooting any factory load. Currently a Weatherby Vangard and a Browning BAR mk 3, both tack drivers with everything tried so far
 
With the advent of the Internet and I online reviews of rifles plus the advancements in metallurgy and machining it is hard to find a junk rifle. Just look at our expectations of rifles, sixty years ago if you had a rifle that shot even an occasional 1" group you cut that group out of the target and carried it in your wallet to brag on it. Now a 1" group has people looking for the problem with it..

I'm not a big 243 fan but have worked up loads for 5 or 6 over the years and still haven't found one that won't shoot. I did have a Mossberg 800 while it would shoot the trigger was terrible and had no adjustments. That was about the worst I worked with even a Savage 99 shot well for a lever action, it's trigger was better than the Mossberg.

Find one that feels good in your hands and go for it.
 
AWS is 100% correct. When I served my gunsmithing apprenticeship about 50 years ago I worked at a shop that was factory authorized to do factory repair. If a new gun came in for accuracy issues it was my job to take it to the range and test fire with factory ammo prescribed by the manufacturer. I was surprised to learn that a 3 inch group at 100 yards was considered acceptable by most manufacturers and would not authorize repairs or return to factory unless over 3 inches
 
Appreciate all the responses.
I maybe should have stated a budget range in initial post…$1000-1500 is where I’d want to be.
I will look into the CZ, Sauer and Tikka…100% wanting wood stock and European maker.
Not opposed to used as well, we have a huge gun show this weekend, so looking to buy something.
 
I'd go with Tikka or Bergara for the 1-8 twist. The future of the 6mm is gonna be defined by 100 grain and up bullets.
 
Update:
The show was terrible. Not many vendors, and our tables did poorly.
Labor Day weekend, end of the month, weather and hurting economy were def all factors.
So didn’t find anything I liked….will keep searching for the right one…thanks for all the opinions.
 
I looked at a bunch of Tikka's over the last few weeks. I'm most definitely a Tikka fan but the prices have gone crazy. A new T3x Super Varmint was almost $1800. A few dollars more and you could buy a Sako or Cooper. I'm not a huge Bergara fan but the Timber model I mentioned comes in at under $1000 after tax and it is a really nice looking rifle. When my gun money catchs back up, if it ever does, I'm thnking I may get one of those.
 
greengt88 said:
Update:
The show was terrible. Not many vendors, and our tables did poorly.
Labor Day weekend, end of the month, weather and hurting economy were def all factors.
So didn’t find anything I liked….will keep searching for the right one…thanks for all the opinions.
Click to expand...
I set up at a show back in June with a very good spread of firearms. I circled the room before doors were opened to the public to get an idea if my stuff was in competitive price range. Found out I was underpriced compared to other sellers. Even had one guy with an accent (not from Oklahoma) who came over to tell me I should raise prices as mine would hinder the possibility of him making a sale. Thought that comment was a little nervy but did not change my prices. Went the whole day 9 to 5 with better than average floor traffic, never sold a firearm. Sold some ammo and 1 scope and 1 bipod. I did ask a few people I know what did they think about no buyers. Most common answer was the present economy and were waiting to see how the presidential election would go. Just us two old folks here at home and we are spending around $250.00 more per month to buy same stuff. I saw a young guy I know who has 2 kids and works a job full time and had recently started delivering Wal-Mart orders to make ends meet. He said their small savings account was depleted and the kids starting school was very expensive. In my day, we had to buy a Big Chief and a #2 pencil and on to the reading, writing and arithmatic.
 
I did a show back in May and did very well. Sold things I didn’t think I’d sell at all. Amazing how a few months can change everything.
I think I will likely end up going with a Tikka. I know it will shoot excellent, and has aftermarket support. I tricked out a Tikka 6.5x55 Stainless Fluted Hunter earlier this year, so was leaning towards something different, but it’s hard to not go with such a great shooting brand.
 
I think the possibility of having to do paperwork on a gun show firearms purchase/sale slowed it down a little also. No one seems to know where that is going either. I'm sure its not helping.
 
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