i shot my very first deer witha sporterized 303, then used it as my only hunting rifle for the next 10+ yrs. never lost a deer even though that rifle was not a MOA rifle. i would get anywhere from 2" to 3" groups at 100 yrds with the open sites and extreamly creepy trigger pull but don't tell the 15 or so deer i took with it that. my rifle would tend to have some vertical stringing of the groups especialy after the third shot, i understand that 2 piece stock was not helping in that department. it is a fine whitetail rifle and will serve you well when kept within it's and your capabilities. good luck.
