What do you mean by a "high powered rifle in .243"? a 243win, 243SSM. 6mm-284, 240 Weatherby? I'm assuming 243 Win because that is the most popular, although he might have something else in mind. The vast majority of scopes that come with "package rifles" are crap, and don't hold up, but Remington 700, RugerM77, H&R single shot and savage 10model rifles are cheap, and good for the money. There are also the CZ550, Tikka, Browning A-bolt and Weatherby Vanguard/howa 1500 rifles that are a little nicer. Depending on what the gun shops around you have, shoulder a couple, work the action, and see what he likes best. You are probably better off throwing a Nikon buckmaster 3-9 or 4X on it, they run about $100, and are far superior to the cheap stuff that comes with the packages.