Seeing how I'm the only person who responded to your "capable" theory I assume your directing your last post to me. I'm no fan of magnum calibers either, just so you know. I am however very " capable " of killing a deer with any caliber you choose. Especially the light rifle calibers you like so much. Anyone who has the proper discipline and skill to shoot deer with sub-par calibers I say have at it. But in reality MOST hunters today DO NOT spend the time needed at the range to make clean kills. That is all I'm saying.And I guess we agree on that.I teach rifle and pistol courses and beleive me there are ALOT of guys who know everything and talk a good game , but when it comes to range time they are happy to hit a pie plate at 100 yards. Like I said the .243 is very capable of killing a deer, but again alot ofhunters aren't about shot placement.