I have used a 243 for deer for 30 years, killed too many to count. I hunt in Ga, Ala, and Ky. I hyave never lost a deer hit with a 243. I used a Ruger Ultra lite with the 18 1/2 inch bbl for several seasons but switched to a Weatherby with a 24 inch bbl. I handload a Sierra 85 grn hp @ 3300fps.