I'm not new to firearms, I am a self-claimed "gun-nut", but yes I am new to the world of hunting. Grew up respecting it and always wanting to be a part of it. I have yet to take an animal but I will when I can arrange to go on my first hunting trip, which will be next fall.
So aside from my little introduction, thank you for your advice. I've been learning towards the idea of the .243 for quite a while. Though I tell you my very first ideas were to run out and by a .30-06 or 7mm Rem Mag haha.