Elliot,
For what your intended uses appear to be, both are fine rifles, assuming that you've narrowed it down to those two, in .243. There are other cartridges out there that similarly would fit your intended use, and other manufacturers, that would work equally well. Of the two you've mentioned, I prefer the Winchesters; I have two Featherweights, and they are accurate, good looking, and fit me well. That last part is important. Regardless of what others state about these rifles, I strongly urge you to find a gunstore that has both, then look at them side by side. It is likely that one of them will speak to you more than the other, then you've got your Huckleberry. There's simply no substitute for holding each one in your hands before you decide.
