Want a new rifle.

[Jonathan_S]

If you're just looking for a flat out well shooting gun, go with the .22-250 or .204 Ruger, both very flat and accurate.

If you're looking low-recoil for big game and want cheap.... the .243 is about it.  The .25-06 and .257 Wby Mag are both flat shooting, both quite accurate.

Nobody ever considers the .25s 

[huntnphool]

Nobody ever considers the .25s 

I do, got a couple Bob's myself.

[Jonathan_S]

Nobody ever considers the .25s 

I do, got a couple Bob's myself.

I grew up on the Bob and the .25-06.  They are both deadly rifles and so much more fun to shoot than our .30s

I laugh about people saying the Bob is underpowered, literally dozens of deer have fallen to that underrated cartridge in my family alone   

[Bofire]

    "legal for big game"    243!!!!!!!!!! I love mine. I shot a spike blacktail at 200 yards, in the throat. looking at me, laying down, the little 243 flipped him clear over, and not a leg kick!!!!! knocks the crap out of coyotes. Love it
Carl

[Come Get Some]

There is alot of diofference between an elk and a deer. If it is deer you will be hunting there are alot of options. The 7MM you have will do it all. Good long range and great for deer also. Add a break  and you will enjoy shooting it. If it feels good and you like it keep it. There are alot of options for you in re fitting your 7MM Call Claude at the shooter shop. He can really help you out. 253-847-8114. The smaller you go in caliber although easier to shoot (less Recoil) you give up kenitic energy. Bullet placement becomes very crucial. Be careful. There are some guys that can harvest almost anything with light calibers. You must have your wits about you and know your game well.

[hunting4sanity]

If you're looking for a plinker, the 17HMR is a hoot to shoot, love my Savage model 93.  Sounds like you want something legal for big game, so as many have said the .243 is an option, I also like the 6.5 Creedmoor, 260 Rem and the 7-08, as well as a few others.  If you'll be shooting factory ammo, you may want to look at a few websites to see what offerings are out there for the calibers you're interested in, right now there's not much ammo available, but you can get a feel for what is being made and the cost.  More importantly go shoulder a bunch of rifles at a gun shop and see what models feel best to you, lots of good calibers, but sometimes you find certain makes/models that just don't feel right or others that simply fit you just right.  After you decide, come back for some show-n-tell.

[762Armo]

So far, I'm leaning towards a .243 or a .260.
What do you guys think?

[jay.sharkbait]

So far, I'm leaning towards a .243 or a .260.
What do you guys think?

The .260 has a little better barrel life...

[mackdaddy]

I have been shooting .243 and 6mm for about 30 years. Blacktails to coyotes to varmits. Can not go wrong with either. For larger game I step up to the .270 Weatherby. Now I am playing with the Ruger .17 Hornet, 20 and 25 grain handloads, around the house which offers up to 200 yard shots at critters.

[Mongo Hunter]

+1 for the .308 option. you can find military .308 for really cheap. 243 is another good option.

[headshot5]

So far, I'm leaning towards a .243 or a .260.
What do you guys think?

I've got both, I love my .260.  It's killed both deer and elk.  I use my .243 more in the off season for coyotes etc.  Both are stellar rounds.  My vote is for .260, or look at the 7mm-08 (pretty well same thing), and if you get into reloading you only need 7mm bullets between your 7mm-mag, and the 7-08.   

Overall my recommendation would be to pick up a Ruger american or something similar in 7mm-08, they are affordable, and have the reputation of being accurate.

[Griiz]

I love the my 25'06, and they have very minimal recoil. I bought a WBY Vanguard 25'06 as my son was coming of age (11) and I didn't really enjoy shooting my 300 WBY more than just making sure it was sighted where I want it to be. I immediately fell in love with the 25'06's accuracy and lack of recoil. It doesn't bug my son at all. I enjoyed shooting it so much, I purchased another one (browning A-bolt with 26" barrel) so I would have one to use and shoot when my son had my other one. Both guns out of the box shoot just under an inch, 3 shot groups, and I don't consider myself the best shot around. Whatever you get, make sure you put decent optics on top of it. Enjoy!

[slm9s]

260.  Next choices would be 7-08/243/25-06/6mm/6.5cm
a big question is do you reload?

[Taco280AI]

Since keeping the 7mm, I'd get a 243 or 260

[danderson]

I just picked up a Tikka T3 in the .223 caliber and am so impressed with the accuracy right out of the box, it fits like a glove, get one in .243 you wont be sorry