I've heard some hype, but really haven't looked into that one. Sounds like a few hours of googling is in store.
I'm a huge fan of the .243 myself, I would like to ask, what's the budget, and what are your goals as far as distance, game, etc. ? I understand your accuracy requirements but depending on the types of bullets (as dictated possibly on shooting non lead bullets or bullets past 500 yds) you're limited to certain manufacturers unless you're going custom.
I typed 3/4 to 1/2 MOA, but was spell checked...
I'm looking at 400 yards and under for this rifle, but I'd never shoot any deer or antelope over 200 yards. Strictly lead, and preferably around $1000, but you know how budgets are. Really, I've always wanted a bolt 223, but it's hard to justify when you have pretty accurate ar's in the safe. Honestly, my rifle marksmanship really ducks right now, and I need a rifle to build that back up.
You CAN do low recoil .243 in that budget, especially since you said handloads. You reference antelope, are you a pretty active stalker? I'm asking cuz stalkers tend to not like lugging overly heavy rifles around.
I am not an active hunter at all right now, but heavy guns always suck to carry but are pleasant to shoot. It's that happy medium thing, but I know I am recoil shy for sure.
OK, we can make a decent compromise, I recommend the savage 10 predator in the .243. The weight is fine for most plains hunts, the twist will spin all basic hunting bullets you can ever feed it, but it DOES tip the scales just a bit more than standard sporter. Gun broker has a used one cheap enough, but even new, you'll not spend more than your budget. For practice, you can load 55 - 85 gr varmint bullets with a mid-range charge of imr4166 or put some 4831sc under the 85 gr bullets, can't remember the exact load ATM but I can dig it back up again, iirc, 2800 fps from a 20" bbl? tack driving accurate, and very MILD recoiling. Then for game, imr4451/4831 under an 85 gameking or partition will still be mild IF you want more speed than what the 4831sc nets you, once you're good and comfy with that gun, run a Max load of h1000 under a 100 gr prohunter for some heavy hitting tack drivers that'll still git you to 500 yds beautifully or 100 gr gamekings too, but flatbases get you better accuracy. You can throw 95 btips over a Max load as well (per hodgdon 95 gr data) for giggles, but you won't ever NEED too.
No....just...just no.
If you're saying in contrast to the .223, then I retract my statement and apologize, and completely agree. I read that as in comparing the .25-06 to the .243.
Reloading the tight groups for a fraction of the cost of GOOD ammunition will still suck you back in, I promise, I remember uttering similar words to what you posted as well, from the first load I worked up for my .223, it hasn't seen one single factory load since! Besides, once you REALLY start shooting that thing, you'll HAVE to reload to afford the sheer volume you run downrange
