FINALLY! a fact orientated comment out of zrex. Couldnt resist zrex. I know exactly what your saying about the reduced loads[&:], I just dont get it. A 243 loaded at velocities it was meant to function at is better than a 06 thatsthrottled back. If you were going to use the 06 why not get full power loads but use the lighter bullets, 140's ect....by lightening the bullet you will reduce the recoil quite a bit, enough for most shooters to tolerate. I think that the 7mm08 is the logical choice here though. light recoil and plenty of factory loads. These others- 243, 6mm, 250savage, 257roberts, 260rem, 7mm08, 25-06,are all good though. I've seen first hand the 250savage and aside from limited ammo, for deer its outstanding.