I have a Ruger M77 MKII stainless in 7mm08, Nikkon predator hunter 4-14x44 and I shoot Nosler ballistic tips 150gr. It's probably my go to rifle for most game. If I need to go bigger I have the same rifle in .280 Rem. With a Vortex 4-12x40 and still shooting the Nosler 150 gr ballistic tips.
All I can say is what I know about the .243, I have never owned a .308. My youngest son shot a nice whitetail buck at about 90 yds. The buck dropped dead in his tracks. The bullet slipped in above the right shoulder and passed through the left leg, it turned and traveled in and out the left leg...
It was my first rifle and didn't know if I would like the sport. I went for price, cheap is not always better. The rifle does shoot streight, but it was a 1 and done weather you hit the target or not. If you cycled the action slow it would work. Needless to say the 770 had a poor magazine design...
I get that, I have had other experiences. I got a Rem770 and found out later that everyone that had bought one had the same complaint, the gun would not feed shells and had ejection problems. If I would have read that I might not have got the old paperweight.
Find a rifle that fits your style, an action that works smooth, not sloppy and in a caliber you like. Before you buy the rifle, go on line and look at all the reviews for the brand and style of rifle you want to choose. Do your research, this includes with your glass as well. The last thing you...