You definately can't go wrong with the 243. I was thinking a 223 or 250 would fit your bill, till you mentioned deer hunting up North. I actually have 2 243s at the moment and I have another one that I am picking up tomorrow. I don't think I can have too many of 'em. One is a real nice Remmy with some good wood, one is a Tikka T3 Lite Stainless, and the new one is a limited run Savage with a medium-bull barrel with fluting.

Also, most factory 243s don't shoot the 55gr BTs good. I have been loading 60gr Sierra HPs for a few years now, and they flat out get with the program. Load 'er up with some 95gr Combined Technology BTs and your ready for antelope, deer, etc.