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Originally posted by paa:

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Originally posted by jorge:
the 243 is either to small for general big game or too large for varmints. This is *my* opinion based on *my* experience. this is a FORUM where ideas and opinions are sought and that is what I've given. jorge

Not pickin' on you Jorge; just seeking community input on your take.

Seems to me that if you live where long shots and wind are a factor, the .243 is reputed to be better in the wind than the 223's. Anybody got experiernce in this?

I've got quite a lot of experience with this, I grew up and spent most of my life in Indiana farm country hunting varmints in corn and bean fields where long shots are the norm and lack of trees and cover make for plenty of crosswinds. Hunted chucks, crows, fox, coyotes, and stray pack dogs with the .17 Rem, .222, .223, .22-.250, and .243 among other things. I can tell you that the .243 with the 60gr to 75gr HP (especially the Sierra 60gr HP, if your rifle likes it, it's a real killer) is better at all ranges than the .17 Rem, better out past 200 yards than the .222 or .223, and better out to 400 yards or more than the .22-.250, and hits harder than any of them. The .243 is the best varmint cartridge I've ever used. I haven't used it, but I would guess that the 6mm Rem would be about the same, if not better, given that it has a little more capacity. I have no experience with the Swift or .204 Ruger but hope to remedy that someday.

I guess I should get one of each and be done with it.

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Originally posted by jb177:
I guess I should get one of each and be done with it.

When in doubt (speaking of rifles), it's always best to get one of each.

My two cents' worth--I prefer the 6mm Rem over the .243 as I like the longer neck on it. Guess when I get my action barrelled with the 26" 1:9 twist and get the rifle put together, I will find out if the 6mm has the right stuff.

.243 is just adequate for deer, it's versatile and easy to come by. I'd rather spend my energy and time shooting more with a .243 than futzing around with more arcane 6mm ammo types. The extra practice will improve your lethality more than the slight improvements in ballistics. What Jorge said about shooting deer with a .223.

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The main use is bench use only and future pdog shoot.

If it is paper punching then I would go with the 6BR and never look back. I am having my Remington PSS rebarreled for the same purpose you mentioned. 1 in 8" twist, .272" no-turn neck, and throated for the 87-107gr. match bullets. Lapua brass in the BR is second to none...quite possibly some of the most consistant brass I have ever seen. Downside is that it can be a little difficult to find sometimes nut just buy in bulk and it will last forever.