I guided deer hunters for about ten years. Many hunters showed up at camp with rifles that were only bore sighted or that they had not fired since last years hunt. Half of them could not shoot for sour grapes. I shuddered when I saw one show up with a 243. Now bullets have improved since then and I would not hesitate to use a 243 for my own hunting. However I do not shoot at running deer unless they are already hit. With a 243 I would pass on any shot other than broad side standing still shot where I knew I could take out the lungs. The same goes for my 250- 3000 savage. I only take the high percenyage shots. I don,t need the deer and will pass for a better shot. Sometimes I don,t get that shot and go back to buying beef. Anyone else who can do the same can get by with far less gun than the guy who will attempt any shot at a big buck. I don,t like big recoiling guns as I have a bad shoulder as well. I can take a few shots from the 30-06 class rifkes but prefer my 6.5x55 swede and the 257 Roberts and 250-3000 Savage. I have a 243 as well and with Barnes X bullets and the above circumstances, It would work fine. I have just seen to many deer run off with one front leg swinging that I think would have gone down to a 270 and such. I love my 243 for big varmits.