I got to see the 243 work it's magic this year, my nephew got his own deer rifle the morning of the Michigan firearm opener. That eavning he put it to work approximately 125 yard shot with a Hornady American whitetail 100gr interlock, and down he went on the spot.
Thinking about a 338mxlr for Christmas, but seeing how there was less than 2500 made before they were discontinued when Remington bought Marlin chances are slim, so might settle for a Remington 7600 in 35 Whelan
I have no experience though I'd love a chance at it. That being said my boss went when I first graduated from high school so 20 years ago...damn I'm old, he said he took an open sited 30/30 cuz that's what his guide recommend...and that his guide and another houndsman that was with them carried...
Milwaukee and DeWalt are the way to fly, and depending on the vehicle you drive the manufacturer will recommend between 100 and 120 foot pounds of torque when tightening so with an electronic battery powered unit your pretty safe as far as over tightening goes, most manufacturers rate there...
Folgers and Maxwell House make tea bag style coffee packets that you just soak in hot water...so it's the same as home and it's cheap! That's what I've used since I was in highschool
As far as height being an issue...it more depends on your torso length...I'm 6/3 and my torso is way longer than it should be making my legs shorter...best thing to do would be go to a dedicated hiking store like rei/ moose jaw, or similar place and get fitted then you will know for sure.
The top two in the state record books have came from the Baldwin unit...there's some genuine hogs in that unit for sure...like that beast in your pic. Full mount is all I can say about that fella!
I second cedar Savage...all those years of saving to throw away on a 3rd season leftover would just be depressing...one more year and you should be able to get Baldwin unit ...heck hopefully next year this Corona crud will pass and you could get otc tag in Canada to get your bear hunting fix. I...
I've seen it in Michigan as well where in the national forest/State game areas that it is open to hunting and all should be wearing orange during season.