243 0r 308

Get the 25-06. I got mine for precisely the reason you were describing: a sort of coyote/deer/sheep rifle. That being said, the 6.5x55 would pretty much be perfect for anything and everything.
 
Seriously? The .243 is not suited for deer sized game? Really?

I'll second the comment about being brainwashed into thinking a magnum or a $3 bullet is what's need to kill these super deer that are being found in Canada. Bow hunters watch out !

Its only one of the most popular calibres for a reason in North America when it comes to deer. You find it in every store that sells ammo and the 6mm bullets are plentiful for the reloader. It does the job with little recoil and if you hand load, it can be used for gophers, coyotes and deer.

I have two loads. 65 gr vmax for anything smaller than a deer and then a 95 gr SST for the rest.

I took my buck this year with the 95gr and he took two or three steps before falling like the carpet was pulled out from under him. Shot placement is everything with anything you decide to go with.

It sounds like you are a bit like me. I have a 45/70 GG for elk, moose and bear. The .243 for everything else.

Happy hunting.
 
Why not consider the .270 if you are looking for a more potent round than the .243? This is the famous "mice to moose round" . Ammo is cheap and widely available too compared to the .25-06, .260, and 6.5x55.
 
I would go with the 243 out of your picks but like others have said 260 or 25-06 or even a 257 roberts would be great.
 
I was in the same situation looking for deer / coyote gun. I shoot a .300wsm and it does wonders on moose. I found it a bit heavy for deer so I picked up a .243 browning stainless hunter A-bolt. (yes wood stock and stainless barrel). It shoots well but I havent had time to try it on coyotes, but a 100gr partition should work well for deer.
 
X2 on the 7mm-08,260 and the 25-06 better rounds for what you are lookin for!

add 6.5x55 sweede to that list but to stay on topic i would say the .243 would be the better varminter but the .208 would be better big game you saiud you have a .30-30 right? so then a .243 would be the better choice.... if not on of the other calibers mentioned....:)
 
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