I use my .243 mostly for culling springbok and blesbok, and practical rifle competitions. I have used it on bigger game, but hesitantly, in an emergency. If an overseas hunter visits the Karoo or Freestate of South Africa, or southern Namibia and Botswana, and he / she wants to shoot a lot of small game, why not a .243W? It is much easier to shoot well than even a '06, nevermind a .300 mag. of some sort. Using even comparatively weak bullets like Nosler 95gr. Ballistic tips or Hornady Interlocks of 100gr., it is a very reliable killer. On the 6.5x55-- I had a 6.5x57 that I use to loan to clients to shoot game with, up to and including blue wildebeest. I cannot remember when last someone using it for that purpose did not offer to buy it off me after the hunt. I recently gave in to pressure from a friend, but are already building a new 6.5 for the same purpose as before. It is propably the most underrated caliber in the world. The only wounded animal I can remember, was a blue wildebeest shot too far back by a New Zealand rugbyplayer. We did manage to kill it eventually, once again with the 6.5mm. I have loaned out my 7x64, 8x57 and 8x68 as well, but most preferred trhe 6.5.