But I also don't only hunt right around home. The .257 (or a .243, or whatever) is a highly effective cartridge for most hunting.
The .243 was my go-to for a couple of decades before I had the 25-06 built. It's an awesome cartridge, and I never really felt a lack of any sort in using it. A modern cartridge in .24, .25, or .26 makes a good baseline big game cartridge for most purposes. Take your pick... Or pick them all, like me.
I'm addicted to the spectacular effects of the 100 gr .257 launched at 3300 (25-06), and the same diameter 75gr at 3700. Logic will only get you to the ball park. It's the ball game, the crowd, the music and the experience that draws a guy back... I have a hard time not loving any rifle I've used to take game.
