Yes bullet placement is the key. But screw up a and that small bullet could result in a lost animal. Yes I killed deer with a 243. I just think using a bigger caliber if you can handle it is will advised. How does recoil help a bullet get where it needs to go. I can see where light recoil help you get back on target faster, but not with aiming. Yes there has been tons of deer killed with a 243, but I like the 7/08 better.