Another reason:
I can imagine sometimes not wanting to explain why using a .223/77gr TMK isn't unethical and why my "tactical" looking rifle (chassis, bipod, 5-20X scope) shouldn't make me suspect.
A .243 in a traditional hunting stock with a 3-9X scope won't provoke anyone (and has some...
But this isn't a matter of opinion. Unlike our favorite color, there is an objectively best answer here. And it isn't based on either of our statistically insignificant experiences, but rather by those of someone like:
No experience with the 77gr TMK then?
Your one experience trumps a thread full of them?
And that's a really odd experience - a nearly decapitated deer trying to run off?
Had a .243 nearly decapitated the deer, would it not have tried to run off?
Or do you argue a .243 would have decapitated...
You've read the referenced thread, yeah?
What was unconvincing? The killing evidence?
Or don't you believe recoil impairs performance?
I'm honestly curious.