In my expierence as a hunter and ten year guide, it is the 243. Its the only caliber that I have lost deer with as well. I have seen more young hunters shooting the 243 than all other calibers combined. Bullets for the 243 were crap when it first came out. Thats when I saw all the trouble. It soured me on that caliber forever. I have owned at least six 243 rifles. Its a caliber I really wanted to like and tried hard to do so. Bullets have improved and I never lost one after I started using the nosler partition. I however set my minimum for deer at the 250 Savage. I would have more faith in the 222 or 223 than I do the 243. Its a popular caliber and many use it but I have no use for them except for varmits. There it excells.