My boy started at twelve with a 243 with 100gr bullets and within two years was shooting a 7mm-08.Using the example that a 22CF is just as deadly as a 243 is pure bunk and skewering the energy numbers to make it seem that way is also foolish(everyone has access to ballistics charts).I know no one that goes out and loads 70 gr bullets to deer hunt with their 243.In fact a 243 hornady load available over the counter with 100 gr pill develops 1790 ftlbs at 100yds,a 70 gr ballistic tip that I' d never use has 1465 ftlbs,and a power point plus 100 gr has 1764 at 100yds.Where in the world are you getting these anemic numbers you quote for the 243 at?Anyway you don' t need to quote skewered numbers to make your point,if you want to use a 223 that barely breaks 1000ftlbs at 100yds and its legal in your state ,have at it.Just don' t expect everyone to agree and applaud your decision as a good one.I for one view 1200 ftlbs at 100yds as on the extremely low side and could never support your choice,especially in a state where if you shoot one and it runs far there is a good chance someone else will be tagging it anyway.

woods