I had a 788 that someone had rebored. I loaded some 140 XTPs pretty fast in it and used it to turn varmints into clouds of hair drifting in the wind. I'd not recommend that load on deer but a 158 FP might be worth a try.
I always ended up leaving it home on my big game hunts because I mostly hunt southern Idaho and I always wanted to be prepared for a longish shot. A few years ago I got rid of most of my mid bores trying to simplify things. I always seemed to grab my 7-08 with 162's or my 260 or creedmoor when wanting light and handy. They kill well up close and give me more confidence out far. I unloaded my 35 whelen, 338 rcm, and my 358's but a 358 still appeals to me for some impractical reason. A clean 99 or browning may one day sneak into my safe if the opportunity presents. I could always use pistol bullets on rabbits again.
Bb
