Over the years, I've killed a couple truckloads of whitetails, and antelope, with a 243 Win. As long as you do your part, and make a good shot, the 243 Win will more than do it's part. Even more so with today's bullet technology. In fact, I just picked up another 243 Win, a Benelli Lupo (gasp! What an ugly rifle!) that is a most accurate rifle! Enjoy your new rifle!