I agree - go with the .243. I have both (.243 & .30-30). The .243 is a great deer and varmit rifle. It has more energy and shoots flatter than the .30-30. Three years ago, I bought my son a H&R .243 Handi Rifle with an inexpensive scope The whole thing cost only $300. I enjoyed shooting it so much, I bought a Remington 700 SS Mountainrifle in .243 for my deer/ antelope rifle. Now my .300 WSM only comes out of the safe for Elk and Muley hunts.