This isn't exactly on this precise topic, but it is related, being a little bullet versus a bigger bullet experience. I've been coyote hunting the last week or so (since it cooled off a bit), but I can't find any coyotes. All I can find is pigs, and plenty of them, and mostly in the 80 pound to 120 pound range. My trusted coyote gun is a 220 Swift, and it has killed pigs quite well, but they do run a ways. I can't shoot them behind the ear, because they seem to always be at a fast trot, so I usually put the bullet behind the shoulder. Well, a couple of days ago I parked the 220 and dusted off my 260 to see how that'd do. I got into a mob of pigs that very afternoon (again they were at a trot) and I blasted the first big one in line and in the ensuing pig panic I got another big one who was in high gear and moving really fast. If I'd have had maybe 5 more seconds, I'd have had another one. Other than the second one tumbling and bouncing for about 5 yards after the bullet hit him, they were both dead on the spot. So, going back to the 243 versus 7-08 comparison, I feel even stronger than I did earlier about suggesting the larger caliber. And, if the OP is a reloader, go for the 260. I bought one only because a friend wanted to sell it cheap, but the more I use that caliber the more I like it. I might even park the 270 this hunting season if I can get more comfortable with the trajectory of the 260 out to 350 yards or so.