Basically anything from a 243 to 30-06 works about equally well. I like my 257 robts but I'd be lying if I said it was far superior to a 243 . As I get older I am getting sort of tired of reloading and don't shoot much anymore other than while hunting. So if starting over for a rifle just for deer I'd probably go with a 243 or a 270 and buy a box of ammo every 2-3 years.