I own a Howa M1500 in .243 win and I love the 243 Winchester cartridge loaded with Hornady 95 gr. SST, btw that is the rifle in my profile pic of my 8-point with a drop down tine behind the ear and it and dropped instantly at 150 yards (I used a rangefinder). Currently I use a .270 win just for more knockdown power using Federal premium trophy bonded tip 130 gr. or Hornady 130 gr. SST. IMO get a .243 win, overall I love relaxing at the range and busting clays at 100 yards no problem with no recoil. If possible get a mag conversion kit to a 10 round detachable mag for varmint hunting