RE: short range caliber
"No such thing as a brush gun". I disagree. A slow heavy bullet will deflect less and penetrate better than a high velocity light bullet. Sorry guys, but this is the truth. For 100 yard and in jobs you need three features. Fast handling, good penetration, and enough energy to do the job. One the the best rifles for this criteria is a Marlin 1894 lever action. I prefer a 44 magnum with a hard cast 240 grain bullet, at 1600-1800 fps. I consider the 357 magnum a bit light, but they sure do sell alot of them. The pistol cartridges make a better choice, because of the cost of ammo. I would go with the 44 magnum, but look real hard at the 45 Colt.
Sorry fellows but a 243 is definitely not a brush caliber. Too light of bullet construction, and too much velocity. Slow her down, and bulk her up. I consider the 243 a poor choice for 100 yards and in.
I am not trying to start a controversy about brush guns, but bring your high powers to WV, I will show up with my 1886 in 45-70, and we can do some brush shooting. Sounds like fun to me. Tom.