I'm with Uncle Buck. I don’t know what the hunting laws are in your state but the other thing the 243 will also be a good long range gun for deer with heavier bullets, 223 are not allowed for deer in most states.
I shoot both 223 and 6mm Rem (very close comparison to 243) for varmints (ground hogs) and although the 223 is very accurate and works well. The 6mm with the larger bullets does work better in wind.