Aint nobody here has argued the .22 LR is a deer cartridge. Get real. but you ask any Texan if the 22-250 is a deer cartridge and they'll tell you it's a fine one at that.
The point of judging a cartridge on a bad hit is ridiculous. No deer is gonna go down with a gut shot, tracking will be involved. If thats were the case the .243 is an excellent gut gun. LOL
Heres a pick a of young friend of mine with his monster 200lb South Texas 14 pointer. This deer was shot on a 75 acre ranch. It was hit in the gut (.243) and was found on the property about 4 hours later. Didnt go 200 yds and layed down and died.

Methinks he doth protest too much.

Ah, what the hey, now I know the problem - HE'S A TEXAN!

Come to think of it, I thought everything in Texas was supposed to be bigger. What's he
doing using that little pipsqueak of a deer cartridge (243Win.). I'd expect the minimum deer cartridge in Texas to be 375H&H or bigger.

Just kidding you some there Zrex. Hope you have a good holiday weekend.