RE: 243 or 30 30 and what brand
I'll agree the 30-30 has downed more deer than any caliber there is over the years, but honestly today with the newer, faster, flatter shooting calibers the 30-30 is nearly obsolete as a hunting rifle. i would recommend a .243, as for brands, if you have the money its hard to beat a remington model 700. if you are on a budget savage makesgood, toughrifles that won't flatten your wallet. hope this helps and good luck