.243 is a GREAT cal. Its all about shot placement and bullet performance with ANY caliber.....I don't care what anyone says. I know guysthat shoot .300 mags, and wound more deer than my 10yr old son does with his .243. I use a .280 for the last 20yrs and love it but wouldn't hesitate to buy a .243 for my everyday rifle. Ammo is readily available, there is basically no recoil, and they are usually nice light guns to hunt with. Plus, if you do any varmint hunting....a .243 is a great choice for that too.