I have one and have killed 2 deer with it, but it is not my choice for hunting deer.

can't use in Indiana.rifle has to use a pistol cart. like a .44 mag., but a .22-.250 will kill a deer.ive heard of pouchers using .22 mags

Black bear should be fine with the .243, but for big grizzlies and polar bears I'd have to say take the 30-30. I know it's a little on the powerful side but it's better to carry a large fast bullet with extra knockdown power for dangerous game. I guess that you could drop down to the new 125 grain loads if you're worried about the gun kicking too much.

On a serious note, .22 cal centerfires are capable of killing deer efficiently. The heavier bullets need a faster rate of twist so you need to make sure that your gun can handle the bullets. Even with the right bullets you have to be carefull at the shot. It's very important to not take shots that angle towards you, the front shoulder can mess up your chances if it's hit on the way in. If you have the proper setup and your patient enough to wait for a clear broadside shot, go for it. Hunters love a challenge.

They're not legal here in NY but I'm pretty sure with the right bullet/placement it will get the job done.That said I would still use nothing less than a .243 absolute minimum on deer.

NY law states that "any center fire rifle" is legal. That is unless you are in a zone that restricts big game hunting to slugs and MLs.

I have never used anything smaller than a 7mm for deer but I wouldnt hesitate to use a 223 or even a 22hornet on broadside shots within 100yds. Seen too many guys kill deer and hogs efficently w/ them.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/35010.html

I don't think a 22 -250 would have a lot of knockdown power so I would not deer hunt with it . I buy a 25-06 or 30-06 or higher.

I have shot a few deer with my 22-250. I use a 55gr Nosler Ballistic Tip and every deer dropped on the spot. Passthrough's on all also except for one i shot through the shoulder which the bullet made it clean to the offside ribs. Just gotta have good shot placement and know your limitation as far as distance goes.

I just checked and you're right.I could have sworn .22 cal was illegal for deer.Maybe they changed it or I just read past rules wrong.

Well... That is just not true.

In most places it is legal to hunt deer with a .22 centerfire. 43 states allow rifles for deer hunting. Of those, 35 allow .22 centerfires.

Below: Black means no rifles. Red means no .22 cf's. Green means .22 cf's are OK...