If you make a good shot, then the .243 will work just fine, but that is the same with any of the hunting rifles. A friend of mine had used a .270 for years and had killed a lot of deer with it. He thought a 300 short mag would be better and he has lost more deer with it than the whole time he used the .270. I know he has ringed his eye 6 or more times and I feel sure he is flinching.