My first was a .243. I bought it as the stalker who "trained" me to stalk said it was ideal. It's dropped every deer I've ever shot (Red and Roe) and so have no problem with it.
When I read sites like this I end up totally confused over calibres. Some claim a .243 is inadequate for a red stag. Yet I've just returned home from Ayrshire and seen pics of a 29.5 stone red dropped with a .243.
On the other hand people swear by their .308's. Others claim they are responsible for too much venison damage?
Personally, and I confess I'm not as experienced as many of you, but it all seems to be about shot placement rather than calibre???
I want to go after reds on the open hill soon. I've been told my .243, or a .270, .308 and 30-06 are all suitable by various people. Others swear about the .270 reckoning it's an old boys outdated tool. So I'm lost and confused in all honesty!!!! lol