I've used a 243 somewhat and I bought my son a 6mmREM in a REM 600. No problem with any bullets as far as action length. I'd stay away from the 284 based cartidges as I would be leary of having to open up the rails. Either AI version would be wonderful especially a 6mmAI. You may want to go 243AI since you already have brass you could form.

It sounds like a fun project.

RH