The 243 has a bad rap because its often in the hands of the unexperienced due to its low recoil. If a an experienced shooter can't kill a deer / pine goat each and every time they pull the trigger with a 100 grain well built bullet going 3000 fps its not the guns fault. The rifle is inherently accurate, recoiled light, and often comes in compact easy to shoulder rifles.

Some people just have a Nepoleon complex when it comes to rifles and cartridges. The 243 is not underpowered, and is more than enough with the right bullets.