RE: 7.62X39 VS. 243 WIN. FOR DEER
 

Rat rifles kill deer very well.....and that's experience talking.....add another vote for the .243

RE: 7.62X39 VS. 243 WIN. FOR DEER
 

I know it's not one of the options listed, but like several others have suggested, I would recommend going with something just a little bigger that can still be downloaded (spelled smaller weight bullet) so that recoil is not an issue.

Go with a 7mm-08 and load it with 120 Grn Nosler Ballistic Tips. You can get the 7mm-08 in a light short action rifle and the 120 BT's will provide a very light recoiling round that is more than adequate for deer.

firstshot
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Make your first shot count!

RE: 7.62X39 VS. 243 WIN. FOR DEER
 

The .243 is FAR better than the 7.62 shorty in every measurement of performance.

RE: 7.62X39 VS. 243 WIN. FOR DEER
 

Back to your question. over your 2 choices, the .243!