Best Inexpensive 243 I Can Buy

Cat64

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 28, 2013
290
12
North Louisiana
I need some advice as to what would be a very inexpensive, good 243 I might buy. You guys always want to know more when answering questions....:cool: So, I want to replace an old Remington 770 (shot out) and since acquiring that I developed a taste for target shooting. I would like to use this new rifle for shooting targets perhaps up to 600 yards. I shoot bench rest for 100 and 200 yards and prone further. Also, if possible use it as it is first and if there is potential build it up from that point. Let's first start with something under $500. I have a scope already for this rifle.

Thanks
 
My SPS rem 700 worked out real nice. $500, and added a BC,hook style stock, and with the right load it shoots 105 A max to 1k with sub moa accuracy. But you will need to change stocks, find 5R take off stocks on here all the time.
 
Tikka t3 is a hunting rifle not a target rifle. Rebarrel the 770 to heaver barrel 308,cheaper ammo & last 4 times as long as the 6mm & 6.5mm
 
Good point. I have a tikka t3 in 308 and frankly is a great gun. However most components for a buildup are limited or/and very expensive. The option with the tikka is to replace the whole thing.
 
The Tikka barrel twist is a little slow for heavy high BC bullets. I believe it is a 1 in 10. I would give some thought to what loads you plan on running and what twist is required.
 
Stock Remington .243 barrels are 1 in 9-1/8. The Remington barrel will stabilize most heavy bullets if pushed at a reasonable velocity. A Remington action would be a good foundation if you wanted to re-barrel and build a long range gun.
 
Marlin XS7 if you can find one of those - sub $300 switch barrel with very good trigger and stocks available through Boyds.


There is nothing "wrong" with 243 per se, but if you are on the budget - why not 223 or 308: much more choices for rifles with heavy barrels and easier to tune.
 
243 because I have a Remy 770 same caliber I am trying to replace. I have all the necessary setting for reloading that cartridge and honestly I love that round. Also I have a 308 already. As far as twist...I will shoot hornady 87 grain and then the heavier Bergers (105) and Sierra 107's