Semi-custom Build

[deerslayer13]

I want to get into coyote hunting but a need a rifle first. I am pretty set on the .243 and would like to stay away from the AI's because I don't have the money to buy reloading equipment.

1)What manufacturer would you suggest? and why?

2)Is the .243 a good caliber to shoot under 600?

3)what factory ammo would you use?

Sorry for all the questions, but I don't want to go spend $1000 and be unhappy

-Aaron

 

[cornstalker]

I think for out of the box accuracy Savage is hard to beat. Their Model 10 Predator is a heck of a rig. You could buy that and fit it with a good scope, sling, bipods, and slip under a K. It's already camo so it saves on the Krylon.

The Vanguard by Weatherby looks great too, but to me it seems a little heavy for walking a lot.

I haven't tried a Tikka yet, but with the rave reviews I am hearing I want to. I just built a Savage 12 with a featherweight Douglas barrel in .204 Ruger and it's working great. Otherwise I would have a new Tikka....

 

[deerslayer13]

Thanks for the reply, and I made a mistake, I'm not limited to 1000 but probably about 2000 for everything.

 

[cornstalker]

Well then forget everything I just said. Frankly, as I read my input again it never answered your original question anyways. I forgot about the "semi-custom" in the thread title.

The .243 is a great cartridge and will go to 600 no problem with the proper load. I can not recommend factory ammo of any kind because I haven't purchased or shot factory ammo in 20 years.

Savage is still a great action to build on. Shilen makes great barrels pre-chambered and contoured to match the original contour. It's really easy to swap the barrel on and headspace it yourself too.

I would also recommend taking up reloading. If for no other reason, just so you could have a .243 AI.....

 

[deerslayer13]

I'm eventually going to get into reloading but being only 16 money is tight so I'm going to get into rifle shooting then pick up reloading.

 

[deerslayer13]

So your suggestion would be what Jerry Teo did in his savage tactical project and upgrade to a shilen barrel and that's it?

 

[alf]

I'd have a hard time passing one of these up if I was just starting out.......

Remington-Arms-Model-Seven-Predator-Centerfire-Rifle

If it shot, you're money ahead, if not, it's a great platform to build on.

 

[cornstalker]

So your suggestion would be what Jerry Teo did in his savage tactical project and upgrade to a shilen barrel and that's it?

For the budget you are talking about I would also replace the stamped lug with a .250" machined lug and put it in a Stockade stock with a good bedding job.

You could also upgrade the trigger, but I get along fine with the Accu-trigger.

 

[K22]

You mentioned Semi-custom Build and the Model 7 or Rem. 700 is a good place to start. I think the Savage is too, but my favorite is the Kimber Montana of which I have. Mine's not a 243 but they are for sure a semi-custom build. They a bit more than those rifles already mentioned, they are right at $1000.

 

[cornstalker]

You mentioned Semi-custom Build and the Model 7 or Rem. 700 is a good place to start. I think the Savage is too, but my favorite is the Kimber Montana of which I have. Mine's not a 243 but they are for sure a semi-custom build. They a bit more than those rifles already mentioned, they are right at $1000.

I saw your .204 over on the NPHA site. Nice gun.


The Montana seems like a sound recommendation.

 

[K22]

I saw your .204 over on the NPHA site. Nice gun.


The Montana seems like a sound recommendation.

Hey thanks cornstalker.
It is an extremely nice rifle. I'm sure a full custom would put it to shame, but not by much. Other than not having a trued bolt and receiver, it's sure custom to me. Oh, and nice and light for carrying.

 

[rcdinaz]

I agree with the "get a Savage" comment or get a Tikka and see how they shoot before you spend anymore money. I bought my daughter a Tikka, it is very light and I have been amazed at how well it shoots. You may get a shooter right out of the box and only have to adjust the trigger and possibly bed the action.

If it shoots well you can spend the rest on really good optics and a digital caller!

 

[cavtrooper94]

I would say get the Savage Model 10 Predator and a good scope. I have taken a liking to the Huskemaw scopes but the Vortex line has a lot of good scopes at good prices, and you can get custom turrets for them. Going this route your going to have a rifle fully capable of pounding a yote at 600, and you can get a starter reloading kit like the one from Lee.

Just my .02 cents

 

[Lapua guy]

Thanks for the reply, and I made a mistake, I'm not limited to 1000 but probably about 2000 for everything.

I would get a Tikka T3 Varmint in 243 or 6mm Rem (not sure if they make it in this, but I like the round a lot better than the 243), and then put a great scope on it. Kimber Montana's are hit and miss in my experience. Some shoot great, others struggle to shoot MOA. Savage is solid as well, but I prefer the Tikka barrels. Semi-custom to me means bedding a factory rifle, and that can be done, but if a factory rifle shoots in the 5s and 6s at 100 yards, don't mess with it. Every T3 varmint that I have shot (22-250, 223, 243, 308) has done that.