I am not a fan of the 243, due to seeing some piss poor results in the woods with them...but that is me and you are you...so i won't get into the 243 debate.

I think one of the most over looked cals. now a day is the 308. I started with cal and still have it. Tones of styles and manufacturers to choose from, loads of good not hardly used ones for sale everyday...do to the need for faster and bigger. (hell who am i talk I use the 7 rem mag now and love it....so I am no better) Ammo is cheap as dirt and easily found. In tight it may just be what you want and need...bonus it chucks 30 cal bullets.