Between myself, my Dad and my jack wagon brother we have killed several dozen Pa whitetails with 2 Marlins and a Ruger 96. Marlins are 200gr XTP or Nosler (shoot same POI) over H110, mild loads. The Ruger (Brother's) is 300gr XTP , not sure of powder. All three shoot great. Never had a deer go more than a death run. Did shoot a Porcupine with mine one year..... Very effective there too.

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, used up, worn out, bottle of Jim Beam in one hand and a .45 in the other, loudly proclaiming WOW-- What a Ride!"