Back in my younger days when options were limited in the household I used a 222 for two seasons. I took a buck in both of those years. I was very familiar with the rifle and it was incredibly accurate. Both of the deer were taken with neck shots and dropped in their tracks. With that being said you have to be prepared to pass up shots that are not ideal. If you are not able to do that then don't even consider using it. The 243 is really a better choice to be considered the minimum caliber. If you can swing the purchase of a higher caliber you should do it, your shot options really increase.

WSMDan