If u are mainly gonna hunt deer, especially TN deer go 243 with quality bullets. If elk is truly a option and in the near future go 7-08. Not saying 243 won't do the job on elk, just that the extra bullet mass would be very handy. I personally love the 243 and other 6mm calibers pick your rifle carefully and pay close attention to twist rate. I would say buy a used remington 700 or model 7. Why no interest in the 260? 6.5's do good schitt, and gives you best of both worlds.
