Thats my whole point Quilly, the 30-30 does not do more damage than a 243. It never has and it never will.

I'll go along with the others that say 7mm-08 or my current light rifle pick the .308. I like the .243 for varmints, but it isn't my first pick for deer. Although I have killed several deer with a .243.

I think the aforementioned .260 Rem is the perfect answer here, followed closely by the 6.5x55 Swede, .257 Roberts, 7x57 Mauser and 7mm-08. All of these rounds are about as perfect a round as can be devised for shooting deer at 300 yards or less.

Of these, the 7mm-08 probably tops the list, but it may be too much overlap with the 7mm mag.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

Thanks again for all of ya'll's replies. I am even less sure of what gun I should choose. I guess that is a good thing since it means there are a lot of good choices. I am thinking of the 7mm-08, but as said earlier I don't want anything too close to what I have. It is also important to me that I can get the ammunition at a sporting goods store, Walmart, or a gun store in the area. I know it is preferrable to handload, but being a college student there is no way. I don't have the money, and I sure don't have the room. I guess that cuts several of the calibers listed, so I am back where I started.

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I think the aforementioned .260 Rem is the perfect answer here, followed closely by the 6.5x55 Swede, .257 Roberts, 7x57 Mauser and 7mm-08. All of these rounds are about as perfect a round as can be devised for shooting deer at 300 yards or less.

Of these, the 7mm-08 probably tops the list, but it may be too much overlap with the 7mm mag.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting
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Factory ammo for all of these rounds should be fairly easy to come by, and from more than one manufacturer. If not, a local sporting goods store will always be willing to order it for you and keep it in stock.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

Since you'll be hunting in the thick stuff where a second shot seems unlikely- what about a single shot? I too have been considering the many different options out there. I settled on a H&R single in .308. For the price of a decent bolt action rifle I can have my .308 and two or three other calibers since the barrels switch out. Also gives me the option of shotgun and muzzle if I want to go there. As for which caliber, that's your choice. I went with .308 because of its reputation. To me a .243 seems a bit small but then I took a nice 8-point last year with a .257 Roberts. One shot one deer. I hope this helps. Let us know what you decide.

if your not sure then get a .270. supposed to have less recoil than what you have now. and its 150 gr bullet goes as fast as the 243. just a thought. the .243 is stroung enough to kill a coyote so it will kill a deer.

still here

I am not a fan of the 243, due to seeing some piss poor results in the woods with them...but that is me and you are you...so i won't get into the 243 debate.

I think one of the most over looked cals. now a day is the 308. I started with cal and still have it. Tones of styles and manufacturers to choose from, loads of good not hardly used ones for sale everyday...do to the need for faster and bigger. (hell who am i talk I use the 7 rem mag now and love it....so I am no better) Ammo is cheap as dirt and easily found. In tight it may just be what you want and need...bonus it chucks 30 cal bullets.

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FVA, I stated I have seen poor results from a 243 in my neck of the woods. Were I live (Sask, Canada) and hunt it is rare a whitetail buck goes under 200 and if you shoot a mature buck even in the prime of rut very rare to have one that won't take 250 on the hoof.

You can take them down with a 22 if you hit them just right, but personally I would never use a 243. Seen it and don't like it...JMO.