• This Forum is for adults 18 years of age or over. By continuing to use this Forum you are confirming that you are 18 or older. No content shall be viewed by any person under 18 in California.

$900 .243 bolt recommendation

hillbillydruggist

I just received a $900 bonus which I would like to use to buy a new 243 bolt action. This budget needs to include a scope(at least a 9x) it will be used for shooting varmits up to coyote size at distances out to 300 yds. I know it’s not much money but it’s all i got, suggestions appreciated.

P.s. trigger is most important to me


Thanks
 
Tikka T3 lite, you can find them on sale for around $ 500 from time to time. That would leave you $ 500 for glass, rings and base(s).

There is a listing on ebay for a new Legend Ultra HD 4.5-14x44 for $ 300. you will not get better glass for even 3x that price. ED glass for $ 300 is unheard of, but bushnell did it with the legend ultra hd 3-9 and 4.5-14. Discontinued a few years ago but still able to find here and there.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Scope-Bush...547355&hash=item48c15d238c:g:5SwAAOSwUpFcVjTP
 
I’ve been thinking of getting a 243 bolt gun also. I’ve got two Tikka T3x's, but keep looking at the browning x-bolt.
I can’t find anyone who has one that isn’t completely happy with it, and that’s the likely direction I’ll go when I’m ready.
Neil
 
Well Howdy! I’m Josh. Glad to meet you! I bought a Browning xbolt Varmint Special in 223. It was supposed to be a “Special run for one of the Shot Shows”. It shot like crap, right out of the box. Over a season, I tried every combination of bullet and powder I could think of and it still shot 1” groups at 100. I call it my project gun. I’m going to send it back. I have Tikkas , Remingtons and a Savage that outshoot it, “all day long”. Heck, my old untouched1938 Swedish Mauser shoots better!
May be that I just got a bad one, I don’t know. I only bought the one and I won’t buy another. Just sayin.
If the OP wants to go 22-250.....
E639E851-B9CA-47C6-9434-BE5CEA257D40.png
You just need a scope.
 
Last edited:
joshb said:
Well Howdy! I’m Josh. Glad to meet you! I bought a Browning xbolt Varmint Special in 223. It was supposed to be a “Special run for one of the Shot Shows”. It shot like crap, right out of the box. Over a season, I tried every combination of bullet and powder I could think of and it still shot 1” groups at 100. I call it my project gun. I’m going to send it back. I have Tikkas , Remingtons and a Savage that outshoot it, “all day long”. Heck, my old untouched1938 Swedish Mauser shoots better!
May be that I just got a bad one, I don’t know. I only bought the one and I won’t buy another. Just sayin.
Click to expand...
No I had an A bolt hunter in 243.
Notice I said had!
I think the hillbilly druggist might ought look at a savage package iff he cant find a tikka
 
Tikka is a great value. With tailored reloads my 243 is 1/2 moa rife. This would be my first choice on the budget you posted.

While I successfully hunted a ton of varmint and predators (fox) in the 60's and 70's with a 243 and 3x9 Redfield scope I'd suggest you consider a 3x12 or 4x16 with PX adjustment for a more precise target picture. Varmints are small targets especially in the hay fields. Check Natchezss.com -they have some good deals on Nikon Scopes.

Another option might be a 243 Weatherby Vanguard. I have one of in a 223 Rem and it's a 1/2 moa rifle with tailored reloads. The extraction system is outstanding, the stock is good for a synthetic - very good fit in the recoil lug arear, trigger is ok, three position safety is nice, and I like the 7.5 weight for stability in shooting.

Savages have a good reputation but I don't own any so I can personally comment on them.
 
gravelyctry said:
I’ve been thinking of getting a 243 bolt gun also. I’ve got two Tikka T3x's, but keep looking at the browning x-bolt.
I can’t find anyone who has one that isn’t completely happy with it, and that’s the likely direction I’ll go when I’m ready.
Neil
Click to expand...

I have two Browning X Bolts, a 243 and 223 Rem. While the trigger are suppose to be adjustable I couldn't get mine down below about 3 1/2 - 4 lbs which is too heavy for a varmint rifle. I was fortunate to find a gunsmith whod would rework them and got them down to 2 1/2 lbs.

The 243 shoots fairly well after load development - its the hunter model with a wooden stock. I like the rifle but feel it was overpriced for the value.

The 223 was a problem. Long freebore but I suspected that the synthetic stock was the problem. Browning replaced the sthock with a wooden stock and now it shoots very well, under 1/2 moa with tailored reloads.

Bottom line - I think there are cheaper and better options - Tikka, Weatherby Vanguard, or Savage.
 
I don't often venture into giving opinions. There have been a lot of good recommendations and I would like to add another. Does (2) accurate rifles (as accurate as mentioned above in my opinion) with excellent triggers and (2) scopes for under $900 sound interesting? Take a look at the Thompson Center Compass rifle on www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com. They have them for $299.99 no shipping or tax. I have (3) of them .204 - 243 - 6.5 Creedmoor. All will shoot .500-.600 3 shot 100 yd groups.My .243 averages under 1/2" groups @ 100 yds. A friend bought a 22-250 and after sighting in his first group was 5 shots @ 100 yds. you could cover with a dime. Read the testimonials on Sportsmans website and most talk about how accurate they are. I think the 5R rifling contributes to accuracy along with a good job of button rifling shown with my borescope. The rifle comes with 5.5# pull. I removed (1) lock nut on trigger spring and (that is not needed anyway) and the pull weight comes down to 2-2.5# with no creep at all. Excellent trigger!! If you go to T/C compass website you can see a diagram of the trigger and see what I'm talking about. I use them for coyote hunting and I love having the 5 shot clip. I am 77 years old and have built a lot of custom rifles and now I can't even buy a custom barrel for the price of one of these. You can also get a muzzle break from Harrells for $30, screw it on and a 243 shoots like a 223 with no jump or recoil.
For scopes look at the Bushnell Trophy Extreme 30mm 2.5 -10X. www.Natchezss.com product #BH752104 has them for $115 although out of stock at present time. I have (2) of them and they are very bright and track well. Also wide field of view. They can't be beat for the money!!
Any other questions send pm and I'll get back to you. I'm not on here every day.
1holer
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Upgrades & Donations

This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.


Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.

You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.


To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.

Classified Ads

Forum statistics

Threads
165,849
Messages
2,204,861
Members
79,174
Latest member
kit10n

Share This Page

Back
Top