I cannot agree with the above statements saying that there isn't much difference between the 30-06 and the 7mm-08. I have had both and the 7mm-08 is much easier on the shoulder and ears! This is one of the main reasons why I bought a 700BDL in this cartridge to begin with. The 7mm-08 is also a very accurate cartridge and easy to load. Both Winchester and Browning say in their 2004 advertisements for the new 25WSSM that the 7mm-08 is easily outclassed by the 25WSSM. This is a bunch of bull and they know it!! The only problem with some factory 7mm-08s is that they are throated and magazined short and it is difficult to take advantage of the heavier bullets in this caliber. I cannot comment on the .243 because I have never had one - although I have always wanted to try one.