I have owned several differnt calibers, I mainly hunted with the 30-06, but due to recoil I can no longer shoot it. I used a custom built 6mm284 and a custom 22-250 for target shooting. a 17remington and 22 hornet for varmint, and a 300 win. mag for moose, elk and bear. I hand loaded for each and I know there are a lot of 6mm bullets, and that is the smallest caliber you can use here in va. regretably in my 2.5 long years of fighting for my disability I sold all my guns but my 22 hornet. I am going back to the 243 (6mm) because I know it so well. I reloaded 243 for several of my friends target rifles, I am also well aware of it's capabilities. I have a friend that deer, bear, elk, and moose hunts with his, and has for years, and still does. I am now also seeing the 7mm-08, and have come to realize that it is a very efective round also, I just decided to stick with what I know.