Well, I won't take anything away from the .243 or the .257, they are both fine cartridges and both are very effective calibers. I occasionally will hunt with my .243and my .257. I like both equally; however, I am quite sure that not all animals will be impressed with any caliber. I also know that the animal being shot will not be able to distinguish the difference between the .243 and the .257. I have a wide variety of rifles in variuos calibers. I know that there has been numerous test performed on ballistic gellatin targets to prove which is the most efficient caliber. All the mathmatical equations still doesn't impress the animal being hunted. It is our duty as hunters to pick a caliber and a rifle that we can shoot efficiently and limit ourselves to only taking shots at animals that we can kill efficiently. I understand that wounding an animal does happen, but if we as hunters know our effective limitationsof our weapons and practice self control the wounding of animals can be minimized. It is ultimately the hunters choice and the exercise of his/her ethics and values.These forums are only opinions and we all have different opinions and the right to voice those opinions. That is what makes our nation great. So, make your own choice and base your decision on what you believe to be the truth. Hunt ethically!!!!

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