I'm about to start my 3rd season of deer hunting (Love it! love it! love it!). I've either used my muzzleloader or my neighbors .270. This year, I'd like my own rifle, so seeking your advice. Factors in order of importance are: 1. price (support myself) 2. weight. not as strong as I used to be and between climbing hills and mtns, plus holding gun for long amounts of time, makes this very important. 3. accuracy. 4. recoil. I'm not shy on this, but the less the better.

Other info that might help for you to advise me:
5'5" approx. 135lbs...so about average for a woman, I guess
age 52 (as of 3 days ago, and not getting any stronger)
arm stretch length from top of shoulder bone 27" to end of middle finger. 21" to wrist bone.

I'm a novice, so looking for your input.

260 rem or 7mm/08, either will serve you well, if you could get lucky and find a 250 savage it would be awesome....... 52 and 135# wow you've done well.
just turned 53 here ya notice how ya got more time for hunting than ya useta?
RR

.243 Winchester is made to order for you...It's the only centerfire rifle I have owned since 1980 and I have killed over 200 deer with it...I'm 6ft 5 and 240 so don't think it's just for women either...

One huge advantage...Go to your local Walmart and price .243 ammo vs .260 or 7mm-08 (if they have it)!!!

100gr Remington CoreLokts work as good as any bullets in this caliber ...

Thanks for the advice. It's much appreciated. So, if I could ask a couple of follow up questions. In the advice of RR and hawkeye, how do they compare in weight? Would they also work, if down the road, I tried my skills (cough cough) with bigger game?

and to Ridge Runner....not bad if I do say so myself not the 100lbs of yesteryear, but what the heck, it works....lol

Take a look at these;

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/weatherby-vanguard-rifle-vgs270nr4o-winchester-griptonite-stock-stainless-finish-p-121954.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/marlin-bolt-action-rifle-xl7270-winchester-black-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-117249.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/ruger-hawkeye-bolt-action-rifle-hmk77rfp-7119-winchester-black-synthetic-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-99578.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/tikka-lite-bolt-action-rifle-jrtb318-winchester-bolt-action-black-synthetic-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-90826.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/remington-stainless-bolt-action-rifle-7267-winchester-black-synthetic-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-86358.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/howa-1500-rifle-whogue-stock-hgr62612-winchester-bolt-action-black-synthetic-stock-stainless-steel-finish-p-99595.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/savage-116fcss-weather-warrior-rifle-17799-bolt-action-black-stock-stain-steel-finish-wdbm-p-86703.html

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/thompson-center-icon-weathershield-rifle-5547-winchester-synthetic-stock-weathershield-finish-p-112298.html

If there is a chance you will pursue 'bigger game' then the recommendation for 260 or 7-08 is the better, in my opinion.

By all of the info I've been getting since I'm getting ready 2 buy a new gun myself I'd say the ruger American 243 with a Nikon Buckmaster scope.. Grand total out the door gun scope mounted and bore sighted probably 650 max

they are all short actions, so they would weigh the same, any of them would do for deer hunting, for larger game the 7mm/08 would get the nudge.
RR

Smoky what is the smallest caliber you can use in your state? I found a new light weight rifle that has an adjustable stock and weighs less than 5lbs, and almost no recoil.

DanMorgan.