Thanks James.

Guys I am not trying to start a cartridge war here. I specifically left out cartridges, and just wanted to generalize about caliber's. It is very easy to show my errors on a line by line basis. I am just trying to get some of you to look at the whole picture.

I did not imply that a 30-30 or 30carbine is a better deer cartridge than a 243 Winchester. But in several of my categories, it is a better choice. Many people only hunt in the woods and like to shoot alot. If 100 yards is your outer limit, and you like to shoot alot(cheaper ammo). Then yes, I would say the 30-30 in a lever or 30 carbine in a semi. would be a better choice. My girl friend hunts with a 30 carbine. And believe me, inside of 100 yards she is deadly with it. And it does recoil less than the 243 Winchester. And yes the practice ammo is alot cheaper. If I am hunting in the woods with my 94 Winchester and a peep sight, I can dot your eyes out to 100 yards. And I guarantee you that rifle is a better choice for deer in the woods, over a bolt action 243 Winchester. Here is a picture of one of the good ones. This one was born in '57. Tom.