Interesting topic. I do own a couple pretty nifty big rifles, but I'll probably chase Inyo mule deer with a .308 this year. A .270 WSM might be fun someday, just for the improved trajectory.
Those of you that hunt over a set stand, with potential for multiple animals, may want to think about caliber in more than a couple ways. In Texas, hunting over my stand, I noticed that when a I shot a doe with a .300 Savage (Model 99, 24" barrel, Rem factory ammo). She not only died right there, with a 3" hole in the off shoulder, but a good buck showed up the next morning in the same spot & also was harvested.
The next year in the same spot I shoot a spike with a .270 - 22" barrel, with max loads of R22, and don't see another deer for 4 days in the same spot. Muzzle blast clear them out? Maybe. If I hunt that area again I may have to buy back that .300 Savage from the friend I sold it to...
