Ok all you reloaders and ballistics nuts out there who actually know what they are talking about, i have a question for you. For Pennsylvania whitetail deer hunting whats your experience/knowledge on this subject because I'm torn. Smaller caliber and grain bullet (243win-100gr) with more velocity and energy or larger caliber and grain (308win-125gr) with less velocity and energy? I'm comparing Hornady American Whitetail 243 to Hornady Custom Lite 308. I know the argument is larger caliber should usually always win out but is this true in this case? Here's some numbers:
HORNADY AMERICAN WHITETAIL .243WIN 100GR INTERLOCK BTSP
muzzle - 2960/1945
100yds - 2729/1653
200yds - 2590/1398
300yds - 2300/1175
HORNADY CUSTOM LITE .308WIN 125GR SST
muzzle - 2675/1986
100yds - 2384/1578
200yds - 2112/1238
300yds - 1859/959


As you can see I didn't go beyond 300 yards on the ballistics here for for two reasons. One, we will not be shooting that far (not even close), and two I am under the understanding that 2000 feet per second is sorta the threshold for consistent bullet expansion. Anything below 2000fps could effect bullet performance. Any input and advice here would be much appreciated. My nephews are currently using the Hornady AW in the 243's I let them use but I want to start streamlining my calibers I have on hand and was thinking the reduced recoil 308 Hornady loads may be good for them? I currently use the full load Hornady AW for myself but this is a bit much for them since they are intimidated by it. The reduced recoil ammo brings the felt recoil of the 308 down to about the full 243 load. Thanks for any info!