.243 is just a necked down .308. Same case, just necked down. Won't be that much difference in recoil. Go with the muzzle brake and a custom fit stock.
Let me know if you decide to go that route. I have two good designs for .30 cal., one fixed, the other adjustable.
I disagree, the .243 will have a noticeable difference in recoil. I've shot both, the .308 kicks almost as much as my .270 does (both were Remington 700's). A buddy of mine who was used to shooting .243 out of his Winchester 70 Featherweight shot my .270, and he put a bloody ring around his eye with the scope on the first shot and refused to shoot it more than 3 times.
As far as I know, recoil isn't all about the load, bullet weight has to do with it as well. So 243 will generally have less felt recoil than 308. The energy at the muzzle is different between the two
^Bullet weight does have a lot to do with it, and with a light bullet and correct handload, recoil could be reduced in a .308 to feel similar to a .243.
I just talked to him on the phone. He said the snow has settled down to a mere 20". Guess they had to do lots of shoveling just to set up camp and then more to set up some blinds. I'm sure it is interesting.
