Fans of the 17HMR lets hear some stories......

[Tomcat088]

I got what you mean Lucas. No worries man, to be honest, you're not missing much with a .243. It's also a flat shooting, hard hitting cartridge. I prefer the .22-250 over the .204. They both burn through barrels at about the same rate, and the ammunition is almost the same. The difference being that the .22-250 shoots a heavier bullet at the same speed as the .204. I have shot stuff with both, and they both make quite an explosive effect, then again if you use the right bullet in a .223, you can get the same effect, just not quite as flat shooting. In terms of cost of ammunition, barrel life, sound levels, etc (we are talking about varmint rifles) it's really hard to beat a .223. Just find one that you can make accurate hits out distances you'll see the animals, and don't look back, they all get the job done.