JimTom wrote:Mate if you are going to restrict yourself to the one centrefire then I’d say go the .243, good all rounder for what you have mentioned.
Ideally mate I would get a .223 and a .308.
I totally agree. In the unlikely event you will stick to one centrefire rifle, get the .243 as it is very versatile. Having said that, I doubt you will stick with one. I would agree you are better of cutting to the chase and get a .223 and a .308. The Howas are very well regarded and excellent value, so it won’t be too expensive to one in each calibre.
I have a 243 and I love it. With the shooting I do, I am finding I am using my .204 a lot more than the 243. I also have a 17 Hmr which I took out for the first time last night. I shot a fox and several rabbits with the Hmr and three foxes with my .204. There is obviously a huge difference in hitting power between the hmr and the 204. I intend sticking to the 204 when targeting foxes in preference to the hmr.
Whilst l love my 204, the ubiquity of the 223 is a more rational and cost effective choice in my opinion. So in my experience your 17 hmr, a 223 and a 308 is likely to easily cover most game species in Australia. I would, however also add the 22 lr as it is almost treason not to own one in Australia.