Yeah, I have never shot a .243 but I have read multiple posts on the credentials of it. My best pals dad uses it for whitetail and seems to have no issue with it. I wouldnt mind using it for mulie whitetail and antelope and saving the 30-06 for elk. A light kicker would be welcomed here. I thought about the 25-06 but the only issue there is the availability of shells. 243 seems easy and cheap to find and the reloading capabilities are good as well. EJ