If you're strapped for cash and can't afford a new rig, then go with the 222 and use hotter loads with premium bullets. But if not, why take the risk of losing an animal due to shooting a marginal caliber? Taking risks like that and losing animals are not only inhumane, but its the stuff that the anti's get all wound up too. I'm not saying go out and drop a grand on a new rifle/scope, but like mentioned above, the NEF Handi-rifle won't break the bank. If you decide to go that route, I'd also bypass the 243 and go with something bigger. Yes the 243 is a great double-duty rifle(deer and varmints), but you've already got a good varminter in the 222, so why not get a caliber thats more suited for bigger game? just a thought.