RE: TICA T3 in .243cal
Good choice on the Tikka. Are you SURE you'll be more satisfied with the .243 over the 7mm08? Just be sure to get a decent scope. They can be had for 150$ on the bottom end, but naturally the better lines should feature better optics and tracking/adjustments. Nikon, Bushnell elite, Leupold vx2, Burris fullfield 2 are all decent scopes that'll serve you well.