Sounds like either way, one cant go wrong. The reason for the choices listed, is that this was a winning rifle at the recent Seattle Sportsmen's Convention. My choices were any caliber in a Weatherby Vanguard. This rifle is more for convenience and for the use by my two 20-something y/o kids that have interest in hunting but no funds. Yea, starting them out a bit late but better late then never. The 243 will make a great second rifle, a good primary rifle for varmints and a good hunting rifle for my children. Seeing that I will be reloading my own rounds for this caliber, I am certain I can get this thing shooting sub MOA at 200 yards. Eventually, it will be fitted with a bipod and a nice 4x16x40 or 5x20x40 scope for those 600 yard yote shots. I think this rifle will be more fun and get more use then my .300 wsm.