RE: Remington 740/.244 cal
The 244 is the first name Remington gave the 6MM Remington and is the exact same cartridge. The 740 has been a long time gun for Remington. It was later called the 7400. Same basic rifle. The 244 had a slower twist and would not handle the same range of bullets as the 243 Winchester. After a year or so Remington changed the rate of twist to the same as the 243 and changed the name to 6MM Remington. The Remington site may be able to tell you how many were made. It will handle bullets up to 90 grains well and maybe the 100 Grain Round Nose Hornady bullet. Some of the older 740 developed a gas errosion problem of some sorts and from what I hear, they can't be repaired. This was not the case with all of them so yours may be fine. Good luck with it.