Don't be discouraged on the 243. It is an excellent deer caliber. Under 300 yards I would opt for a 243 every time. I have even shot deer out past 300 yards with the 243 and it has never let me down. Any good 100gr bullet is plenty of lead to take down any deer. It never ceases to amaze me that people think a 100gr .243 bullet won't kill a deer but a 100 or 115gr .257 bullet is the best deer killer. They are usually the same guys that are using a 300 RUM or 30-378 for shooting whitetails at 100 yards, overkill! I have shot deer with both the 25/06 and the .243 and couldn't tell any difference between them. Maybe the 115-120gr bullets have an edge out past 300 yards but still not enough difference for me to bother with them. Get a nice handling rifle in 243 and you have one of the best flat shooting varmint calibers and a great pronghorn/whitetail caliber. 243 ammo is also a little more available than 25/06 with a better range of factory ammo 55-100gr.