IMO everyone needs a 22 rimfire. If I hunted dangerous game I'd choose either the 375 Ruger or 375 H&H, but until I get that chance will hold off on that purchase.
For varmints and cheap target shootin one of the 22 centerfires is the way I'd go. I chose 223 because ammo is dirt cheap, everywhere and it is good enough. A good argument can be made for 22-250, but since I also own AR's I want my bolt gun in the same cartridge.
For everything between varmints and dangerous game ANYTHING 26 caliber and up can get the job done. Pick the one you like. The decision should be made based on how much recoil you are willing to tolerate, how far you have the skills to hit game, where you hunt, and the game most commonly hunted, cost, and availability of ammo.
I like the 243 as a varmint/deer combo rifle. But it is too close to 223 performance to justify both. I'd go 223 and skip right over 243 to 6.5 CM. In 2020 6.5 CM factory ammo is more plentiful on shelves and at better prices. You can choose between varmint loads, deer loads, elk loads, or factory loads suitable for 1000 yard competition right off the shelves. Even at Walmart. Recoil is only slightly more than 243, considerably less than 308 or 7-08
I've owned just about everything from 243 up to 35 Whelen including the 7mm and 30 caliber magnums as well as several 45-70's. I spent most of my hunting career carrying a 30-06. But today there is no animal that I'd hunt with any of those that I'd not hunt with my 308's or 6.5 CM. If forced to choose 2 centerfire cartridges I'd go 223 and 308 and I'd hunt everything in North America.
For varmints and cheap target shootin one of the 22 centerfires is the way I'd go. I chose 223 because ammo is dirt cheap, everywhere and it is good enough. A good argument can be made for 22-250, but since I also own AR's I want my bolt gun in the same cartridge.
For everything between varmints and dangerous game ANYTHING 26 caliber and up can get the job done. Pick the one you like. The decision should be made based on how much recoil you are willing to tolerate, how far you have the skills to hit game, where you hunt, and the game most commonly hunted, cost, and availability of ammo.
I like the 243 as a varmint/deer combo rifle. But it is too close to 223 performance to justify both. I'd go 223 and skip right over 243 to 6.5 CM. In 2020 6.5 CM factory ammo is more plentiful on shelves and at better prices. You can choose between varmint loads, deer loads, elk loads, or factory loads suitable for 1000 yard competition right off the shelves. Even at Walmart. Recoil is only slightly more than 243, considerably less than 308 or 7-08
I've owned just about everything from 243 up to 35 Whelen including the 7mm and 30 caliber magnums as well as several 45-70's. I spent most of my hunting career carrying a 30-06. But today there is no animal that I'd hunt with any of those that I'd not hunt with my 308's or 6.5 CM. If forced to choose 2 centerfire cartridges I'd go 223 and 308 and I'd hunt everything in North America.
