Some .243 advice

[Matastrophe]

Ok, i know that various aspects of this will have been done to death but i have searched through all the old topics but couldnt really find what im looking for.

Ive had 22rf's for years but only just got approval for 223 and 243, i only need a cheap 243 as long as it shoots reasonably accurately as it wont get that much use, so ive got one reserved at local rfd just waiting to pick it up. I wanted to spend a little more on the 223 as i plan on having this as my main gun due to barrel wear, ammo cost etc. I need a reasonably affordable scope for the .243, i cant afford S&B or leupold much as i would like one, but i am willing to spend more on optics for the .223. Is a nikko stirling nighteater going to stand the recoil and give me enough accuracy up to 250yrd for the odd fox and closer range deer. Does anyone also have any suggestions for a factory bullet that i can use to test for accuracy i know these guns can be fussy, eventually i will be reloading but for the time being its got to be factory ammo.

Sorry for the rambling nature of this topic, i guess the key points are: Is a Nikko Nighteater going to work on a .243 or should i buy my nice scope (the one thats going on the 223) and use it until its needed elsewhere? and does anyone have any suggestions for factory ammo for getting used to the gun that should shoot reasonably well.

Thanks again.

Matt

[sako751sg]

The best ammo outwith homeloads i have ever used are Sako.In the 3 calibres i have tried them in they preferred them by quite a margin.As for the scope,it needs to be able to eat up everything a CF can throw at it so make sure it is recommended for one.When we first started we had the cheapest keech on them,and because we didnt know any better they served purpose ok,but now taking into consideration clarity,durability and light gathering you should get the best you can afford.

[steve_b_wales]

I used to have a HAWKE Endurance 30 on my .243. Excellent optics and good quality all round. Retails for around £220 and has a 10 year guarantee.

[al4x]

simply why use two guns? the costs of 2 setups far outweigh the ammunition costs especially if at some point you reload.

I actually still have both and the .223 hasn't been out in a seriously long time because I bought a good quality .243 and decent scope. The simple facts are it can use a far greater range of bullets and obviously is deer legal. As a foxing round you don't get a lot better and though we get told about burning barrels you do need to either run very hot reloads or shoot a serious amount for this to be an issue. Even then you can re barrel one for less than the cost of a second rifle. For me it means rather than two scopes two rifles I have got the one setup that is far better than I'd have bought had I been going to keep the .223 as well.

[Matastrophe]

Thanks for the answers,

 

To be honest i was only going to apply for the .223, but then I thought some more about it and being able to take the odd deer would be nice and as the range would probably only be between 50 and 100yrds due to the landscape. I also asked for it to try and get more bargaining room should the FEO be reluctant to grant the .223 (i did ask for 22cf but he said I had to be specific). His answer when I asked though was simply "Sure, do you want a mod for it as well?" I guess i had my heart set on a nice .223 setup, but i will start off with the .243 and see how it goes. The reason i was asking about the Nikko Nighteater is that i can get quite a high range one for £100 so quite a good deal.

Any more input would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Matt