Originally Posted by
Ford
oh its so hard, its like picking a favorite child...
They all have their purposes, of course the varmint rifle is best for wood chucks. I've made 400yd shots on deer with the 270, its been my main rig for 10 yrs, but the others have joined the collection the last few years. I think my future favorite will be the 260 ai because I'm custom making it to my dimensions and everything I've ever wanted but couldnt find in a rifle. but right now at the very moment strangly enough the stevens 243 is my favorite. Bought it used off a buddy for 150. Adjusted the horrible trigger and got it tollerable, reloaded some ballistic tips for it, and was shooting 3/8" groups at 100yds off the bench on the first batch of reloads. Its only second to the varmint rifle in out of the box accuracy, its dirt cheap, and light as feather to carry. Easy to customize, parts are cheap, barrels can be swapped with little tools and some reading.
I shot a big 5 point, and a doe last season with it. The season before shot a doe between the eyes at 30 yds free hand. Other then the buck all deer dropped in their tracks at the shot, the buck ran 30 yds down hill, and that was more momentum then anything. I bought the 243 for my younger brothers first deer rifle, he will be 12 in a couple years. I wanted to be sure it had enough pop to do the job, and ended up carrying it 2 yrs in a row over every other rifle I own. Dont let anyone tell you small rifles arent good for deer, less kick means greater accuracy and comfort shooting. Light, easy to carry, cheap to reload.
I think the 260 ai will be all that I have in the 243 and more. size shape fit and feel will be perfect, with a lot more knock down power, penetration, and flat shooting.