The .243 has been run down over the last few years as a light weight round, when real men shoot bigger stuff ~ uh-huh, yeah sure
It will make deadly wounds in lots of things, deer, pigs, 'yotes, rabid dogs, skunks, you name it. Problem with Bears is that they get mad, their adrenalin goes up and they don't seem to notice they been shot - then they come after the shooter
For bears I'd be packing a bigger rifle too, but in a pinch and after you practice enough to know your gun - it might do if one is in the cabin and it's all you have? Shot placement with a .243 is vital, but guess what, it's the best hunting skill you can learn, so it's a good teacher, and right handy to boot
Hornady has recently been loading some "magnums" for the .243. They call them the Heavy Magnum and Lite Magnum. They are essentially modified powders with slow burn characteristics for max muzzle velocity. I think the smallest caliber they make these for is .243 - so as far as Hornady is concerned, .243 is a "real" hunting caliber
Some of these rounds will be replaced with the new line of SuperPerformance ammo. I think Winchester is loading hot rounds for the .243 too. The point is that for hunting ammo, you will have plenty of choices
It's a very good starting point for center fire rifle and at that price, you can afford to upgrade bits and pieces over time as you see fit