I've seen no real difference on deer between the .243, .257, .270, .308, .30/06, even the .44 mag at woods ranges. The bigger ones just blew up and jellied more meat. My grandson has used a little 7.62x39 on a couple of bucks with fine results. Sometimes they run, sometimes they flop, but ones hit well don't go far. Brain Pearce, a pretty reliable source I believe, is a big fan of the little 6.5, based on considerable experience with it. He and his brood shoot a lot, and a lot of game and varmints. I take his recommendations very seriously.
I'll have the new Grendel ready and try it out next season on deer. In the interim, I'll have fun futzing around with it without worrying about burning out the barrel, burning up a bunch of powder, or rattling my poor old brain. It might get the grandson test too.
