I think it's still going to be how they look on paper at distances most ppl feel comfy shooting.

For whatever reason the 6.5 has never caught on strong in the States until recently, in great part due to the interest in long range shooting. The 6.5s going back in history were loaded with heavy for caliber bullets which established common twist rates for heavier for caliber bullets, which in those days of only solids or cup and core bullets ment very high sectional density and deep penetration. Heck no telling how many elephants Bell killed with 6.5s. Probally more than any one person alive today has killed total.

The 260 started out as the 260 Panther from Jim Charmicheal who was shooting editor for Outdoor Life. He wanted a Target round for banging silouet targets down at 600 Meters, from a short action rifle. Turns out it is a very good hunting round to boot.

For whatever reason the 6.5 has never caught on strong in the States until recently, in great part due to the interest in long range shooting. The 6.5s going back in history were loaded with heavy for caliber bullets which established common twist rates for heavier for caliber bullets, which in those days of only solids or cup and core bullets ment very high sectional density and deep penetration. Heck no telling how many elephants Bell killed with 6.5s. Probally more than any one person alive today has killed total.

The 260 started out as the 260 Panther from Jim Charmicheal who was shooting editor for Outdoor Life. He wanted a Target round for banging silouet targets down at 600 Meters, from a short action rifle. Turns out it is a very good hunting round to boot.

We've always been a 30 caliber nation. Only more recently with the realization that faster twist rates, higher BC sell rifles.

To the OP, the 243 winchester will kill deer and pigs as good as a 260 remington. If costs and avalibility are an issues (You don't want to reload or order more expensive ammo), I wouldn't.

I'd get a 260 remington if I like "something different," or had a real appriciation for the minute differences make it different than a .243 winchester. Seriously, minute. Half a millimeter people.
I won't be critical of people for getting one. People should get what they want, but seriously there isn't that much difference.

The biggest concern I would have with the 243 is if the op intends on doing a good amount of target shooting then barrel life is a factor to consider before buying. If just a standard hunting rifle that will see maybe a box of ammo a year go for it since you're not a reloader and aren't fond of ordering ammo.