Retriever....You are right...Ballistics just compare on paper...

For most situations on deer, a .243 is all that's needed...I don't care for a 25-06 because they have limited factory ammo avaliable and the dang barrel is too long...a short action with a 22-24 inch barrel just seems to balance better in my hands...A friend of mine bought a .260 when they first came out, it grouped well with the Remington 125 gr Nosler Partitions...Then Remington discontinued them, so he started reloading...Finally found a good load...But he didn't kill any deer that couldn't have been killed with a .243...

Frankly I have found that most that comdemn haven't had a lot of experience with one...Makes no difference to me, shoot what you like...Heck, this is a hobby and hobbies are suppose to be fun....Good Luck