Looking at getting my first varmint/long range rifle. What caliber option is the best??? I'm leaning towards 243, mainly because I'm already set up to reload this caliber. Main targets for the near term future will be Ground Hog and paper up to 300yds. Would like to have the ability to stretch that range if the opportunity permits, but would be rare at this point. More likely this rifle would find itself after deer occassionally. Found some good deals on Remington, Winchester, and Savage varmint rifles locally in 223 Rem. Am I pushing the range envelope for this caliber? The oppinions on 223 seem to vary considerably.