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.
What is wrong with you?
Reason! Sense?
You shoot TSX, and you will concede that something else will do a good job?
You must be trolling.
Not at alI.....I also use the same gun (many years) to hunt elk and want the preferable terminal performance with the TTSX bullets for elk......since I want my firearms to have only one load to digest I load them for the heavier game in an effort to get exits.....and I must admit, even TTSX bullets don't always exit elk
If a fella has some Game kings to hunt deer with, he's good to go.....those things have been killing deer for a long time. If I prefer lead free bullets that's my prerogative....others are accorded theirs as well.
