Hey Board,

I'm totally new here and new to hunting. I've taken a summer job to help save up for some "toys" I've been looking at buying my first rifle. Thinking about going for a Savage w/ Accutrigger at wally world. My question is this: Any opinions on a good all around cartridge: I'm looking for something that shoots flat and far. (speaking of "shooting flat," can anybody clarify what exactly that means?) I live in Texas and will try my hand at deer hunting next season. An uncle of mine recommended a .243 but I know that lot's of people use a .270, but I've also heard if you want to hunt over animals that require long distance shots such as (big horn sheep, antelope) you need something that can travel in the 300 yard range. Okay, I'll stop rambling. Been checking out this board for sometime, it seems very respectable and some honest opinions.

Thanks,