jdboy: No longer have any 243s': had several over the years, but answers still apply to your questions.,1) It's hard to beat the Hornady chamber over-all length gauge to measure throat/seating depth, and to also monitor erosion as it develops. Not perfect, but very repeatable rsults if used with consistancy. Some smoke the bullet, seated out long and close the bolt to complete seating. Some will make a relief cut in a case neck and 'soft seat' by closing the bolt. I'm sure there are other very reliable methods, but I've only used the Stoney Point, now Hornady gauge, so cannot comment on other methods.,2) I have a Savage 12BVSS, originally left the factory chambered in 243 Win., now rechambered to 6BR. Factory barrel is very good with a 1-9.25 twist. Very accurate with bullets of approx. 85 & 87 gr. weight-- never tried anything heavier/longer. Barrel did have the usual reamer & tool marks across the lands & grooves, as seen with my 'Hawkeye'. Was able to clean it up w/ JB bore paste, copper fouling is minimal.,3) You may want to consider the Redding type S neck bushing FL die, the only type I buy now. With it you will be able to neck size to the dimension of your choice,, usually .002' to .003' smaller than loaded round neck dia.), and you will also be blessed with not having to use the inside neck expander, that must be used with a conventional FL die, since it will 'oversize'/squeeze-down the case neck a lot more than is required. As a result the brass is being over-worked and will neck harden & split in a short time. The inside neck expander is also thought to be a cause of loaded round run-out. A long post, I know, sorry: once I get 'wound up' it's difficult to stop. if any questions/comments, feel free to send PM. fdshuster p.s. With the neck bushing die you are still able to FL size/ bump the shoulder back slightly, or neck size only: all depends on the adjustment.