http://www.criterionbarrels.com/savagecontours.pdf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY0w1c-gf18

http://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/243win/

You've probably seen those but if not, hope they help.

The 243 is a really well balanced and versatile round. Excellent ballistics, great bullet selection and easy to shoot.

Built one a few years ago when we lived in WY. 1:8 Shilen 16" long with a varmint contour- shot 55/65gr Vmaxs so well that prairie dogs at 600 weren't all that much of a challenge and loaded with 100gr GameKings it dropped mulies like a rock.

As far as which barrel maker to go with there are lots of good ones but I've had unprecedented success with Criterions and Jim at Northland is a great guy to deal with.