My dad had a .25-06, Weatherby Vanguard VGX, for a while while I was younger. Took a pronghorn with it, straight shooter....but he decided to trade it in....he does that....often, heh. Said he wanted more power, something he could take big game hunting but he already has a .300 WinMag cannon. /shrug. Earl is one of a kind.

I looked this up and printed it up earlier today. According to this, .243 is much lighter on recoil than a .308 and .25 though it may be splitting hairs at that point.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm

Then I found another article where the author went on at length why .243 is his favorite caliber for white tail.

I'll check out that single shot as well as a few bolt action options.

Also, I talked with a buddy today about my own rifle. I am shooting my uncle's .30-06 and this buddy of mine shot it some for me prior to the season. He says its the best gun I'll even have and I tend to agree. FN barrel with a Mauser action. Its a little loose and alot old school but it makes nice groups. So...I may end up seeing if I can trade the .308 for a .243.