Hi Trebark,

If it were me...and it was a new short action you are looking for...for the stated purpose....I'd take the .260 Remington over either. Simply because the .260 carries its energy much better than the .243 Winchester at the longer ranges, while not being so big to preclude its use for varmints if you like. Recoil is very similar to the .243 Winchester, but it gets there with more energy on target. It uses the same case as either the .243 Winchester or the .308 Winchester. And for deer and smaller it is probably more versatile than either of the others. The .308 Winchester is a very good deer cartridge...and even a feasable varmint cartridge. But really is more than needed for varmints and you pay for that with an increase in recoil.

If you are absolutely sure it is only for deer...and it has to be either the .243 or the .308 Winchester. Then I'd get the .308 Winchester!

Good luck with your decision!