Leaning towards the 7mm-08 in a lighter rifle. Not necessarily a compact but something like a A-bolt composite stalker. Weighs in at 6 lbs 4 oz. With scope and all probably be close to 8 lbs when its all said and done. Not too bad. More concerned about the muzzle blast and the recoil than the weight. Wonder what the recoil would be like out of it....probably very tolerable???

I like the idea of the 243 and I don't want to bash the 243...just have heard people refer to it as the "deer crippler" too many times. Think the 7mm-08 will do it more efficiently with still manageable recoil.

For my purpose...I don't want a compact-style rifle with a short barrel. I'll be using this rig too when deer hunting in the woods. I like the idea of a Model 7 in 308 but it would be too much for her...but it would make a nice rifle for the woods...no doubt!

I guess the coyote thing isn't all that important really since it's really just the occasional pest control on the farm. Haven't become a varmint guy just yet. At this point, I'm not concerned about the hides. Can use my 270 with lighter loads if need be for those long shots.

Thanks again.