I can't believe that this is even a thread here! How many hunters do you figure head out into the field each year with a .243? If it didn't work well, do you think they'd be toting one?

I have No. 1's in a variety of calibers, but tend to use the lesser calibers MORE. 243's, 6.5x55, 250 Savage are always my go tos. I've never had a deer complain from the receiving end of any of them. Bigger than deer sized critters though, and I probably would drop the 243 or the Savage. I'd have no qualms tackling a Moose (and they do regularly in Scandanavia) with my 6.5x55.

I hunt my .243 RSI regularly for another reason as well. It shoots like a dream, is short so I don't dump snow down my back walking in thick stuff, and fits in the tree stand beautifully. Some of the larger rifles can be awkward up there. I also have a .243 Blaser Stutzen, but that one only comes out on the nice days due to nice wood.

If you're talking deer the 243 is a mighty fine cartridge if you ask me.

DEAD...via 243 (on the spot too):

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