Samurile, 50 yards is a stretch for a crossbow, the bolt from a crossbow starts to drop pretty quickly, faster than an arrow from a vertical bow because the bolt is shorter and weighs less. If you can shoot the .243, that would be a better choice for predators and deer sized animals. I do not even feel the recoil from my .243. You say you have shot them before so you know what the recoil feels like. Yes you can practice at long sistances and perhaps be somewhat consistant if it is calm without any wind, bu would you rather be consistant all the time with a rifle or be dependant on the weather with a crossbow.