I don't consider deer to be "big game".....most dress out under 160 pounds and the total amount of meat on a typical deer (boned out) is well under 50 pounds.....and yes.....some are considerably larger.
Deer are more like large varmints than big game and with proper bullet placement (necessary regardless of what you are shooting) just about any bullet will put them in the freezer.....if you like Sierra then use them.
I spent several years shooting bonded bullets and finally have changed to Barnes TTSX and won't go back.....that said, if all you want is dead deer the 165 s in a .30-06 will certainly provide it.
