The problem with asking questions on public forums are that many give advise but have no experience....
I have used a .243 for deer and other critters since 1980 and have no problem killing deer with it...I prefer a .243 over a 25-06 because of the readily avaliable factory loadings and the typical .243 will have a 22 inch barrel vs a 24 inch barrel for a 25-06...
I also know several hunters that successfully use a 25-06...
There is no way that a 25-06 is inferior on deer vs a .243, if proper bullets are used...Get whichever turns your crank...
Frankly, when talking about deer sized game, within 250-300 yards (which is the MAX range most hunters should be shooting at deer anyway), and using proper bullets you will see very little difference in how far a deer travels after the shot between a .243 to a 30-06...The difference you see will be because of bullet placement and the type bullet used...
Now if anyone wants to disagree with this last statement, sound off and I can give you a few real life examples, it's the off season and seems we all need some entertainment...
