I would agree with a .223 if you were thinking about lots of range time with factory ammo, but you mentioned that you're going to reload and keep your shots close. I've got four fused vertebrae in my neck and six in my back, so I understand the recoil issue and keeping the rifle light enough to easily carry. Have you ever considered a Marlin 336 in .30-30? Factory rounds for deer hunting, recoil the same as a .243. When I'm not deer hunting I only shoot cast bullets and the recoil is significantly less, and the bullets are inexpensive. A cast lead bullet over a light load of Trail Boss or Unique will kill rabbits, turkeys, javelina or coyotes all day long out to 100 yards.