The 243 is a fine caliber and I've personally seen it work well on a deer (several times). However, you will never be under-gunned using a 25-06 for whitetail, mule deer, antelope, varmint and other game of similar size. I've taken more deer and coyotes with my Rem 700 25-06 than any other rifle I own. I've used Federal Premium and Rem. Core Lokt's factory ammo along with Nosler Accubonds and Partitions (115 grain) hand loads. They all have worked well but Nosler Partitions work best for me and have been the most accurate in both of the 25-06's that I've owned. My powder of choice is Hogdon H4831SC.
