Dont let Deerslayer read this, because he says a .243 is no good for deer specially at 300 yds. LOL.
I have heard that same thing from alot of different people. I will tell you that my daughter has put in her time at the range and we discuss correct bullet placement and ethical shots at length. Is the .243 the ideal caliber for deer, probably not but if I outfitted her with a bigger caliber that was too much gun for her and she was scared of it what was accomplished. My feelings were and still are that it is better for her to get comfortable shooting a rifle chambered for a .243 or 6mm. and be proficient and confident then to be gun shy.
She took a shot at a distance that she had practiced alot. I am proud of her. In the future I am sure she will have the opportunity to take closer shots.
Nemont