I have been using a .243 for over 20 years now and I have shot a lot of deer with it. I only lost 1 and that was my fault not the guns.As for shoulder shots I have taken them and had both shoulders broken on most.I have confidence in it or I wouldnt be using it.Dont use less than 95 grain bullets most of them below that grain are for varmints.Use a good 100 grain bullet place them right and you wont have a problem.