deer/varmints, I think any of the .243/6mm are the way to go, kinda the purpose of those calibers, .25-06 is more deer than varmint, .223's are more varmint than deer. I think the 6mm Rem gives you about 200fps more than the .243 Win. I think handloads in 6mm can do almost what the .25-06 can do. I know some guys love the .25-06, then some guys don't because it doesn't give you much that a 6mm doesn't. There's always the .240 weatherby too! A new .243 might be nice, something like the .240 weatherby, but loaded by remington or something.....and beltless. we have the 6mm but it isn't really available, maybe I'm just going to have to get a 6mm and take up handloading.