Another data point for the .243 Win on deer debate
 

Over the years, I've read multiple debates regarding the use of a .243 win on deer and similar sized game. I bought my son a single shot .243 for his first rifle. After seeing him take a deer with it, I was sold on its take down power and bought a Rem 700 mountain rifle in .243 for myself as a coyote / deer rifle. It has quickly become my go to deer rifle and I've taken several deer with it never exceeding 150 yards and have never had to track. This past season, I harvested a buck with it at 280 yards (rangefinder confirmed) using 100gr Remington corelockts. This experience has removed all doubt for me. The 243 is a great deer rifle. I'll leave the .300 WSM for Elk / Mulies out West.

Here we go again

If you can shoot a 243 is more than enough for any deer in America. If you can't shoot a 375 H&H magnum won't improve your shots to kill ratio one bit.

Yep, the .243 will get it done. Nice buck there too.
-Jake

Beautiful buck :)

I'm a new hunter and new to firearms in general. This was my first hunting season, but before I hunted, I shot several different rifles. I was most comfortable with the .243. Quite honestly, I'm a small gal and the larger rifles intimidated me a bit. I shot them all, but I felt the most confident with the .243. I went to the range several times over the summer, and I certainly don't mean to toot my own horn, but I had consistent and accurate shots in various positions and distances.

I harvested my very first deer (a doe fawn :) ) this fall with the .243 at 225yards (according to the range finder). It was a heart and lung shot, she jumped in the air, ran about 15 yards and laid down.

As I've said before (I'll bet some are tired of hearing it)...I bought a Ruger Model 77 in .243 in 1980 it has been the only centerfire rifle I have owned since then...With it I have killed in excess of 300 deer, 6 bears and a slew of varmints...It works...

I also have 2 brothers who have been through several calibers over the same time period...They use to give me heck about using a .243...Haven't heard a thing in over a decade... :)

The .243 is more than sufficient for antelope and deer sized game on down through varmints. Just don't start arguing that it's also an elk cartridge like some are in a thread that's had over 130 posts on another site I visit!

I have nothing against a .243 as long as its a Rem 700, right Topgun.

LOL---I'll take the Sako or Mauser every day and you know that!!!

if u guys think this is annoying when i buoght my 243 i asked if i got a great buy and it ended up on a five page thread on weather walmart is a good place to buy guns and i never got a good answer