SAKO really is "top shelf," in my mind anyway. Exquisite rifles - the old ones. I know nothing about the newer ones, but those Finns sure know how to make rifles and knives - and they've had to (and did) stand up to the Soviets, so I have a tender spot for some tough people.
I have nothing against the 243, but I've always deferred to the 25s, mostly the Roberts and the Souper, which are ballistic twins - I shot the two side by side for many years.
Still, I recommend the 243 to anyone who asks about a (production) rifle for longer-range 'chucks and coyotes. The slight edge the 25s have is on the heavier end, and then on the lower end, the 243 edges the 25s in sectional density for same-weight bullets - a 75 grains seems to be a "magic number" for the 25s for varmint for me. I'm thinking such a bullet would be just that much better in a .243 diameter with the same oomph behind it. Those may be minor differences, but when one is rationalizing,.... The Souper is a wildcat (just neck up 243 brass), and the Roberts is getting tough to find. The 243 is ubiquitous. I'm guessing bullets would be easier to find and possibly cheaper and with a wider selection.
I've shot a few 243s and each reminded me a little (I hate saying this "out loud") of the 222, in that every one I shot was stock and every one shot extremely well. Maybe it was coincidence. Add to that, it's in a SAKO - I don't think it could go wrong.
Never shot cast in the 243 myself, but if I had one, I surely would. I'm pleased (but still striving for better) with the 22s using cast, and I think I could maybe do that much better with a "24." Conjecture, based on my observations and projections regarding bullet base perfection, uniformity, maybe ease of casting better bullets? Just intuition, which could be terribly wrong.
If you talk to JES, let us know what he says. I've heard a hundred times that no one will rebore a SAKO because the barrel steel is too tough. Sounds like an old wives' tale to me, but it may also have some merit. I don't know. A 358 in a SAKO sure would be sweet though. I'd definitely cast for THAT!
@Brother_Love , your pictures aren't loading for me. I need to check my settings.