223 or 243 for long range practice?

[roosiebull]

It sounds like you really want a nice pleasant shooter.
I'm going to suggest a 22 caliber but not a 223 unless you're wanting to compete in tactical division.
A 22 arc (or better yet 22 BR) with 88 eldms around 2850-3000 would be a solid 500 yard deer killer, and it won't cost much more than shooting a 223.

He mentioned wanting to build a rss, as much as I like your suggestion, he’d have to add a new barrel to his budget

 

[ddowning]

223 is much lower cost for both ammo and barrels. My experience is that it takes several thousand rounds per year to be a good long range shooter. I don't get free gear or make fu money, so I use a 22lr and 223 to train with. The 6 Dasher for matches and the other stuff for hunting or nrl get shot just enough to true dope and check zero. After that they are only used for their intended purpose and checked when necessary.