Arcwolf wrote:
I’m thinking the T3x lite and choosing a heavy barrel as I don’t mind carrying a little extra weight around. Eventually I will be adding a .223 and .22 but just to start out I’m pretty set on the .243 for targets and putting meat in the freezer.
If you want to shoot targets you will need a 9 twist or faster with barrel for heavier VLDs and AMAX, not sure what the T3 comes with.
Since you mentioned adding a .223 and .22 later there is a bit more to consider
The .243 can send the 55gr projectiles a couple of hundred feet per second quicker than a .223 even with starting loads so not sure i would have both as i would just use the .243 for 55gr projectiles.
If i had to start from scratch again it would be 7mm-08 and .204 Ruger along with a .22lr, you can get Sierra 100gr Varmint projectiles and some Nosler 120Gr along with 139 gr SST for the 7mm-08 which is great for 100-150 gr projectiles. The 7mm-08 has good ballistics some might think higher BC means less drop at range it also means less drift in crosswind which makes it more accurate
The .204 Ruger is a great alternative to the .223.
The .22lr has the cheapest ammo
If i had to get another .243 i would go .243 AI,