243 is big enough for anything in TX

In a word, YES!

I load 100 gr Sierra GK for mine. It is a Savage heavy barrel that will absolutely drive tacks at 200 yards. My son shot a 4.5 year old 6 point last year in the center of the front shoulder and the bullet was lodged under the hide of the opposite shoulder. He dropped like he was hit with a .300 Rem UM! His live weight was 204 lbs. He's shot 5 bucks in South Tex the last 2 years and the furthest one ran was about 40 yards. We also killed 20+ hogs with it last year the biggest of which was right at 250 lbs and he dropped like a rock with an ear hole shot. I've shot 100-200 lb boars up to 250 yards behind the shoulder and they've never made it more then 50 yards.

I would not bat an eye at shooting a Mule deer with my .243. I have the confidence that I can put a bullet anywhere I want to with the gun and usually do. My advice is to find the bullets it will shoot the best and spend some time at the range and $$$ on bullets and shoot it as much as you can until you are completely confident in the rifle.

I think the only two guns that have killed more Texas deer then a .243 would be a .270 & 30-06!

Been using my .243 since I was 12. The last 16 years it has shot alot of deer, never having a problem. Used it in West Tx, East TX, Oklahoma, and Central TX. All about shot placement. Have yet to hit a deer and not find it. Most havent run more than 50 yards. Using 95 grain Winchester Supreme Ballistic Silver Tips. Awesome round

It's not a bad gun to use. Not my personal favorite caliber, but it will handle whitetail, pronghorn(at low ranges), axis, fallow, blackbuck, and sika just fine. It's like whats already been said. If the shot is in the right place, and your using a good bullet for the job, it will work just fine.

My first real hunt was last year with a 243. I enjoyed going with my husband before that but never thought about shooting one myself. Last year, he bought me the 243 and put me in the stand by myself. I sat there for about an hour watching some does with fawns, but didn't have the heart to shoot mom. Then the 8 point came in. Needless to say, he's now hanging on my wall and i'm hooked. Can't wait to go back this year! I got my two does later on in the season.

wow,thanks for all the advice.