Looking for advice - 6.5G upper or .243 bolt gun?

[7kings]

Brian...I'd be inclined to start with what you have. It might be fun to maximize your performance with what you have right now.
Do you reload? You could start by trying to develop an accurate load for 300 yards. You don't even need high BC bullets at that distance. I suspect you could shoot some small groups with the right bullet in your current rifle.
You can always spend more money later

Thanks biodsl. I don't currently reload rifle, but I've been reloading my handgun calibers for a long time on a Dillon 550b. Whichever I go with, I plan on reloading that caliber as well (as soon as anyone can find primers anywhere again, that is).

Brian,

For paper punching, if it is results you are after I would stick with the 243 in the bolt gun. If it is comfort and semi auto fun then go the Grendel in an AR.

Look at your barrel, scope and trigger either way.

Thanks Klem - the Savage has the AccuTrigger on it, so I think I'm okay on that front.

Hi Brian,

Without investing much in the Savage 243, just see how it shoots with the mossy oak stock on it. See if that barrel free-floats first while in the stock. (dollar bill should slide up to the forward lug at the chamber without impeding).
I have a SA 110 and a 16 savage in 7mm08 for hunting. Both barrels are thin-profiles and are very very accurate UNTIL the third shot then they start to gap quite a bit.
300 and 600 yard shooting of a 6.5 Grendel AR or bolt rifle is a breeze with the right barrel, trigger and optics. If the Savage is all over the place on 5 shot groups, you may want to look at a Grendel upper or look at a replacement barrel for the Savage with a heavier profile. (but if it has no accu-trigger, that would need upgraded also along with the stock most likely). :p

Thanks Rosecrans1. The barrel does free-float on the factory stock (it's just so damned ugly ). I do have the AccuTrigger, which I've always liked.

I'm starting to think that I'll give the Savage a run for a while and see how I like it. Like Lemonaid pointed out above, I'll need decent glass for either one, so I'll probably start with that. If I decide to go the 6.5G route after playing with the Savage for a while, I can always transplant the scope over to the new upper and I haven't lost anything.

I appreciate all the feedback.

Brian