I disagree with you that a light fast bullet is ideal for close bush hunting, however with the right projectile there is no reason it wouldn't work.
With regards to the .243 shot deer that escaped we never got to the bottom of the pill that was used, it is possible that a fragile pill was used (A-max, Matchking etc.) that disintegrated without reaching the vitals after encountering heavy bone or muscle eg. shoulder, one of the side effects of a fast light pill. Have seen this happen on lighter game than a big red with much tougher bullets.
Nothing against the .243, but as you say, use it for what it was intended.
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