Under those conditions you are right about the 243. Next question, Out of 100 hunters, how many do you think can do it? I might also add that under those same conditions, a 223 would do the same thing. If for some reason I needed a combo deer/varmit rig and I couldn't find a 25-06 I might consider a 243. If I am buying a rifle for deer hunting, No way. Give me a 260 on up.