22" heavy barrel is enough excercise for me when i carry one.
don't use any bullet over 90 gr's for deer or varmints. that's right, don't go over 90 gr's for deer in a .243. the 22" barrel is plenty for that bullet weight.
i chose that bullet weight (80 to 90 grains actually) because they're better at shocking deer and opening up on them if you get the right ones. the 22" barrel is, therefore, a natural for anyone who has to carry that rifle any significant distance.
ss'