ORIGINAL: country1
I know there are outfitters who do not allow it, and there use to betwo or threestatesthat did not allow it (still do?) about 20 years ago. About 10 or 15 years ago, there were some additional states looking at not having the 243 as an approved caliber. I use a 30-06 so I never paid attention to how this turned out. You really have to be careful with your bullet selection and shot placement with a 243 as there is little margin for error. Yes, the 243bullets have improved, but IMOthere are still bettercalibers than the 243 for deer that have low or moderate recoil. Don't ignore the 308 or 30-30, but I don't suggest a 25-06.
The .243 is a legal caliber for deer in EVERY state that allows the use of rifles for deer hunting.
.22 caliber centerfire rifles are legal in 38 of the 43 states that allow rifle hunting for deer! There are a few states that set .24 as the minimum. FOR ELK... Obviously, the .243 can't be used in shotgun/muzzleloader/pistol cartridge only states. I've used the .30-06, the .243 and 7mm Rem Mag (with MR rounds) for deer hunting. In my limited experience, the .243 has dropped the deer just as efficiently and just as effectively as the other two. Just pick your spots. Behind the shoulder, through the lungs = dead whitetail.
A little hint for anyone seeking deer hunting rifle advice... If someone recommends the .30-30, and disses the .25-06, RUN. That person doesn't have a clue. The .30-30 is obviously a good deer cartridge. It's harvested millions of deer. The .25-06 is better in EVERY possible measure of a "good deer cartridge" (as is the .243...).