When the .243 was developed it was intended to be a mulipurpose cartridge. It was made for the hunter that wanted a varmint rifle for chucks and coyotes that could also be used for deer and pronghorn.

The .243 is a pretty great cartridge FOR THAT PURPOSE..

If I were going to get a rifle JUST for varmints it would likely be in .22/250 or .223. If I were going to get a rifle JUST for deer and pronghorn it would be in any of a number of diffrent cartridges better suited to that game.

I have a Rem 788 in .243 and it is the most accurate of the several rifles I own. I have used it on a few deer and pronghorn and though it killed them all, I was not too pleased with its performance.

If I had too hunt with one I wouldn't mind too much but I would not go out and buy one to hunt deer with.

Robin