Not that my oppinion would be biased in any way but I would go with the 257. I truely love mine. It has almost no recoil, is highly accurate and drops deer and antelope in their tracks. I don't have any trouble finding ammo but since mine is improved I have to reload. But I don't have any trouble finding ammo to blast off to fireform and then reload. Infact, one week from today, mine will be with me on the plains waiting for sunrise and speed goats. Also, the Simmons Aetec is a great scope. That also happens to be the scope I use. Another you might think about, now don't laugh, is a Tasco EXP in the 1.5X5. They are great looking scopes with a good field of view and they are clear and bright.

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When in doubt, empty the magazine.

The 257 Roberts or the 243 Winchester are great for kids who shoot. My kids started out with a 222 Rem and a 30-30 Win. In are state they use a 20ga Rem 1100 for deer.