RE: .243 or 7mm-08?
I think the 7mm-08 has become one of the new standards for an all around caliber, great ballistics, good variety of factory ammo, a ton of bullet styles and weights to choose from for the handloader and quite a few choices of factory built rifles. I don't own one yet, but when I buy another hunting rifle that is going to be my choice.
The Hornady 139gr. Light Mag SST's are in heacy use around here.