I love my .243! Since moving to Virginia other than my muzzleloader this is all I use for whitetail. My 7mm Mag and my .338 mag are taking a break from hunting since I moved from Alaska. The farthest a deer has run after being hit was about 30 yards.
It seems, for whatever reason, the .243 seems to be relegated to young folks and women. That's too bad because it is a very lethal round. Yeah, I'm sure you might lose a deer if you were to take Texas heart shots, but it is no sissy round. That 100 grain pill is serious business!
Depending how much you have or want to spend, an H/R in .243 would be a great "starter" for any youngster. Single shot is a wonderful way of learning to shoot; one well placed shot!