This is an excellent point. I think there is SOME merit to the idea that bigger, to a reasonable extent, is better, but many lose sight of the fact that while a .30cal is certainly a better big game killer, it's certainly not NECESSARY to ethically take game. Almost any CF cartridge, from 6mm on up, is effective enough to take deer sized game, so it really boils down to using the biggest caliber you can shoot WELL. If you can shoot a 7mm Rem Mag (for examply) as accurately as a .243Win, and aren't bothered by the recoil, then there is little reason NOT to go with the 7mm Mag. But if you can't shoot the 7mm Mag very well, and dislike the level of recoil, but are a crack shot with the .243, then there is no reason that you should feel badly about your choice of weapon. The 6mm's are sufficient with good bullets, and a well placed shot is still very deadly.

So if your wife/GF/sister/son/daughter can't handle a 7mm Mag but can shoot the heck out of a 243, then they and you should feel confident that the gun is up to the task at hand. Where you hit them is 10 times more important than how much energy the bullet has or the size of the hole. liquified lungs and punctured hearts spell quick death for a deer whether the bullets a 6mm or .50BMG.

Mike