RE: is 223 safe for deer
I would go with the .243 for sure--it's a great round for both deer and varmints. Plus the .223 really isn't the best caliber for deer, although it can be used with good ammo and proper shot placement. Here in Virginia it's illegal to use any .22 caliber rifle cartridge for deer, though. Believe me, you can't go wrong with a .243!