Being from the midwest, I will forever be a fan of the 243 Winchester. There's no animal within 500 miles that I can't effectively take with the 243. I have shot this caliber off and on my whole life and I get a LOT more practice time with it because of the mild recoil. That being said, I think I'd like to pick up rifle in another caliber just to have, but I have a few parameters I'd like to stay within.
Firstly is recoil. I prefer a mild recoiling rifle, something that tends to "punch above its weight" so to speak. I'm a reloader, so I can tailor a bullet and powder combination to get the most out of a caliber. Personally, I think the 243 also punches above its weight also. I have a friend that usually helps with the deer cleaning and every year he makes a comment about how devastating the chest cavities are on the deer I shoot with my 243.
I hunt hardwood timber and most shots are under 200 yards. I'm not opposes to a lever gun, but as I get older my vision isn't as good as it used to be so scope is pretty much a must-have now. I could care less about ammo availability since I reload. I'm always drawn to unique, lesser known or lesser seen calibers. I've also gotten to be more of a synthetic stock guy for hunting rifles. My safe is full of blued/walnut rifles, but I have grown fond of the utilitarian synthetic stock for hunting rifles. But I'm always interested in suggestions. Thanks!