For deer hunting and long range varminting I would go with the 25-06.It has more than enough power than required for any deer and is more suitable for varminting.

If you want a varmint cartridge buy the 25-06 if you want a real big game cartridge go for the 270 wsm. You can't ask one to do the work of the other. Funny how Stubblejumper says the 25-06 is good enough for deer when the smallest rifle he shoots is a 7 STW... Just an observation SJ.

Oldelkhunter-I have taken many deer with the 257wby and switched to the 7mmstw as an all around cartridge that would be more suitable for elk and moose as well.Since then I have changed to the 300ultra for elk and moose and the 7mmstw is now used for deer,sheep and pronghorn.The stw's shoot so well for me that I will not part with them even though they may be overkill for deer.

If you have a .243, there's your varmint rig. If you have a .300 Win Mag, there is your elk rifle. If you are looking to shoot a bunch of varmints with a .25-06, wear a recoil pad. If you want to shoot deer and elk at all practical ranges, get a .270 WSM. It is a bit much for varmints, though.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

I think a 25-06 is a lot better and ear friendlier then a 270, plus a 25-06 is a flat shooting gun, and is more acurrate i know because i have a 25-06 and i have shot a 270.

I would go with the 270 Wby. Mag., or 270 WSM. Good luck.

Given that you own a 243, and a 300 win mag, you are right you don' t NEED another gun. I will give my 2cents though. I really like the Short mags (I LOVE my 300 WSM), and would recommend you go with the 270 if the new gun is going to be mostly replacing the duties of the 300 win mag, if however you are looking for something to use instead of the 243, the 25-06 is more suitable. My opinion scrap both the ideas and get a 257 Roberts [8D]

Gordon

Id go with the 270 wsm, but thats just me. If u want a great site to learn about the shortmags check out http://www.shortmags.org its basicaly a shortmag only forumn with great information and reports from hunters and reloaders, not people who are paid by the gun companys to boost there products.

well since you are looking for varmits up to deer i find it an obvious choice, 25-06.

It sounds like your alot like me, you don' t really need a new rifle, you just want a new rifle. I guess my wife wouldn' t understand you either! If you already have a 243 and a 300, you have everything covered now. That means you don' t necessarily have to go the practical route. It may sound stupid, but I say get the one that seems the coolest to you! Ever since the sort mags came out, I' ve wanted one, and to me the 270wsm is the most interesting. If your considering one, I would say go for it!