You have a huge range of options, and virtually any caliber that is considered true varmint can be run though the short action you bought.
Budget wise (if that's a concern) a cartridge that has a 223 size bolt head saves a bit on a new bolt head for the project. Not a budget buster but ......
Otherwise you can go upwards to 308 and 260 Remington (I believe that's short action)
The downside to unusual calibers is the bullet choices and brass availability (making my own does not appeal to me, but I like to shoot more than manufacture, others enjoy it or do not mind so its a personal thing in that regard)
A consideration is how much you shoot and barrel burners (243 is a great cartridges but it does eat barrels faster than others)
223 has a very good variety of bullets, 6mm does I believe as does 6.5. I think the 7 mm have the next largest (could be wrong), I am pretty much a 30 caliber guy though I may venture into the lower arena some day. Lot of good low barrel impact rounds in those areas.
There is also a 30BR cartridge out (forget the ID) and 30 caliber bullets choice is the most choices of all calibers (or so I think). Its on a short action.
Within those are lots of choices of cartridges and some unusual ones. So stick with ones of good bullet variety, brass per your choice and have fun.
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