Best Bolt Gun in .243 Win?

[Dain Bramage]

Does anyone have opinions on this popular caliber?

Uses would be from varmints to black-tail deer. Terrain varies a great deal here, and ranges would be from brush-busting to a few hundred yards. I would probably give equal weight to accuracy, handiness, durability and price. I'm leaning toward the Savage line, but I'm interested in anyone's opinion.

How is the round against feral pigs? Around here, they top out at 200 lbs. I already have a 100 yd pig gun, but they frequent the same spots I hunt deer, and I wouldn't be averse to a shot of opportunity (no tags for pigs).

 

[Dave R]

Nothing wrong with Savage. Remington Model 7 or 700, Winchester, Ruger, Tika, pick the one that fits you best. I'm currently infatuated with a Tikka T3. Your preference may vary.

I would use a .243 on a 200lb pig. I'd use a heavier bullet with good penetration--like a 100gr. Speer Grand Slam.

 

[rugerfreak]

Tikka T3----mine is a tack driver---very lightweight.

 

[PJR]

How much do you want to spend? A Dakota is very nice but expensive.

The Sako Model 75 Finnlight is good at a more moderate price.

The best bargain out there is the Tikka. Heads and shoulders above Remington, Ruger, Winchester, Browning, Savage et al.

Paul

 

[go8dalejr]

I have a older sako forester best rifle i have owned had a 700
reminton was not impressed. If I was to get another I would
look at a sako in 243wssm.

 

[TooTech]

I've got a Tikka Whitetail Hunter in .243. Shoots less than an inch at TWO hundred yards.

I'm convinced that a lot of this accuracy comes from an excellent trigger pull - no take-up, no creep, breaks at 3 lbs, 1 ounce.

Of course you also get an excellent barrel that is free-floated, and what has to be the smoothest bolt travel of any production gun.

 

[agony]

I too heartily recommend the Tikka. I have a Whitetail Hunter in .308, and would think that a .243 would be an excellent shooter.

 

[QuarterBoreGunner]

Another vote for the Tikka. I have a couple of Tikka/Sakos in a couple of calibers (.22LR, .22-250, .243) and they are simply..well..elegant... the smoothness of the action is a pure pleasure to work and the bolt machining is a thing of beauty.

 

[tango3065]

Ruger has my vote