I didn't want to get in, but....it's too hot (weather) to go out. First, I always wanted a 257I, on a Mexican Mauser, to hunt small Hill Country whiteyails, and the occasional exotic. A huge buck will weigh under 200lbs live weight. Shots are seldom over 200yds. If your hunting conditions mirrow these, I think the 257 is a great choice. My opinions on the perfect deer caliber/ cartridge is 7mm, in either the 7-08, or the coolest of them all the 7x57. That said, if shots are on really large deer or shots are longer, I'd go with the 308. capt david

"It's not how hard you hit 'em, it's where you hit 'em." The 30-06 will, with the right bullet, successfully take any game animal in North America up to 300yds.

If you are a hunter, and farther than that, get closer!