I don't know this processor, but I'm playing around with programming an ATTINY2313 using an Arduino UNO as ISP.
I guess you need a bootloader only if you want an mcu working on an Arduino board. If you run the processor on a breadboard (like I do with attiny) you don't need a bootloader at all. You simply upload the program to the chip and let it run.
Newark.com has ATMega328s on sale, $2 less than normal price. I ordered a bunch for future for future projects.
I'm doing a design right now with ATMega1284s, tons more memory, dual serial ports, extra IO ports, and available in DIP format so it can be used like a big duemilanove.
Waiting for parts to arrive, ordered enough for 10 boards. Will build a couple, see how they work, and then go for more.