Firecat,
The BRJ is certainly a consideration. I'm wondering what the advantages are of a fluted barrel versus a regular heavy barrel. Two front swivel studs for me is something I can take or leave. For me, if I proceed, it would come down to which is the more accurate of the two rifles.
Greyfox,
I tested 300 with my 10/22. Now this rifle is the factory stock version that I bought used for $100. It came with a garbage scope and I re-scoped it with a Simmons 3-9. At 300 depending on the day and with that scope zeroed at 50 yd, you have to raise it 155 clicks. And either that scope is not recognizing each and every click or I'm pushing it beyond its limits, but even with that, I still have to shoot above the target. Maybe re-re-scoping the 10/22 and installing a 20-MOA rail on it might be worthwhile as opposed to buying a whole new gun. On the other hand, there is no way a 10/22 is going to have the accuracy of a Savage bolt action.
Jchristo...I am not familiar with the .17 HMR. All my rifles except the 10/22 are .308. I like to standardize calibers. I would not recommend using the .22LR for long-range hunting (in the case of that round anything over 50 - 100 yd when targeting small varmints) - but that's just me. The point of my project is to punch paper and practice on the cheap and in volume. Distance shooting a .22LR will build drop and wind compensation skills. What it won't teach you is recoil management or take away a flinch. I've not fired a .243, but according to This
rifle recoil table, you're only getting hit with 11 lbs of force. The .308 hits you with 20 lbs. That's just about the threshold where it really starts to get bothersome. A .22LR will let you work on the fundamentals, on experiments, or just plain fun. To answer your question - MOA groups at 150 - depends on the round, the gun, and you. The only way you'll know is to go and shoot at that distance with your rifle and whatever ammo you use. You may have to experiment with different manufacturers and rounds till you get the sweet one.
My FAL could not hit the side of a barn at 300 with 147 grain FMJs made by Winchester. At 100 yd, if I got 4 MOA with that, I was having a good day. I loaded in some UltraMax 168 gn re-manufactured ammo, and got down to sub-MOA at 100. Same rifle.