I have read through this entire thread and I agree there may be better cartiges for deer but, the .243 win does the job.

I originally purchased a .243 win Savage Model 11 - 6 x 18 power Leopold scope with harris bipod for coyotes - Worked great - I can't use a rifle for deer in NY - Shotgun only but I started hunting in PA were I can use it and I haven't lost a deer yet and some run about 50 yrds but I haven't lost one or had one go any further than that.

My uncle Gary - lives in ID and used to be a hunting guide. Uses a .243 for just about everything besides bear. He prefers his bow over any rifle now though and seldom hunts with a rifle - Just got a Mt Goat with his bow this past season and a Mt Lion a couple of seasons ago with his bow -

I went with him on an antelope hunt once and saw him pull up and drop one in its tract at a little over 500 yrds so I have a real problem with anyone saying that its not enough gun for medium sized game - Maybe a little light for Elk but my uncle also has quite a few elk under his belt taken with a .243 - and his daught started out hunting when she was 12 and has always used the .243 for everything. She gets her deer, elk, and antelope every year so I guess actions or should I say RESULTS speak louder than words.