X2! Deer are not that tough to bring down, with good shot placement!
Using the .243 as an "excellent minimum," I'd say go with what feels good to YOUR shoulder!
Some of the lighter calibers may actually perform better on deer sized game than the bigger ones!
So, don't get caught up in the "bigger is better" game, or the "brush buster" game!
Both are myths!
I have yet to see even those who are NOT recoil shy, that can actually shoot a heavy
recoiling cartridge better than they can a lighter one! Add to this, the fact that ALL bullets deflect upon impact
with foreign objects, I'd go with something in the range of .243 to .260! Anything above the 7MM-08 could arguably be considered "overkill!"