Way back when, the only gun I had that was legal for deer was an over and under Savage with a 222 barrel on top and 20 Ga barrel under. I shot quite a few deer with that 222 I never had one get away but I shot most in the head or neck. I have as much faith in my 22-250 as I do in my 243. Now days I consider them both varmit calibers and use the 250 and 257 Roberts as my minimum.