I have often thought 1/4 bores are not really appreciated. The only one that is really out There now is the 25-06 and it is not high on the ammo sales list. I have a pre 64 Winchester Model 70, that belonged to my Grandfather, in 257 Roberts. It is one of the sweetest shooting rifles i have ever shot. I also bought one of the Kimber 84Ms, a classic select, in 257 Roberts, because I liked the way it looks and handles. It is a very sweet rifle. It is light, very handy, won't kick you in the ground and won't wear you out carrying it. I also have a Savage 99R in 250-3000, 250 Savage now, it is a neat rifle to shoot and hunt with, with the right bullets. It think, for myself and in my part of the country a 1/4 bore is just right. I don't understand why they don't have more of a following. The .243 put the nails in the coffin of both the .257 Roberts and the 250 Savage. When the .243 came out it was talked up heavily in the magiznes, at the time, as a do anything round, from varmints to big game. I know a lot of people love the .243 but I think it is on the light side for even deer. I have seen good shots, and good bullet placement on deer, with the .243 and still have to trail them for a long ways. Sometimes, not even a bloodtrail. Even with high end ammo. The .25 calibers are just a better hunting round, imop. I know I may take flack for this statement. I have hunted with all three of the above calibers and shot game with all three. I speak form experience with these rounds and the .25 calibers just out shine the .243. As a deer round and it will even do good work as a varmint round.