There is no debate...those that speculate that the .243 isn't large enough for your average sized whitetail either haven't used, used the wrong bullets or aren't man enough to admit that they made a bad shot or can't track a deer after the shot....

The only real reasons to use a rifle larger than a .243 for deer hunting....is for extremely long range shots especially with windy conditions, the chance of having to use your "deer rifle" on something else like an elk, moose or larger bear...or maybe you just like a different caliber or a lever action etc...Most .243 shooters could care less what you use...Just don't try to tell us that we can't make a clean kill on the average whitetail...tain't so...

That being said...If I was going on a PAID hunt to say Alberta...where I MIGHT have a chance at a 300 pound deer....I MIGHT borrow my brother's .270....But NOT my other brother's 300 mag....It doesn't have a muzzle break...