I'm not sure when the .243 became a "minimal" deer cartridge. I used to shoot regular old corelokts with great success. Don't shoot ballastic tips with it though because ballastic tips in this caliber and smaller are meant for varmints. You should always strive to take broadside shots. Placement is more important than caliber. I repeat the .243 is a great deer cartridge. It has no recoil which makes it a great gun to learn with.