with the better proppelants used in modern rifle cartridges today 22 to 23 inches of barrel is plenty to exceed the full potential of a 25-06, Also the 7mm-08 or the 25-06 both would be fine for deer. I personally would prefer the 7mm-08, as a handloader I like the variety of bullets better then whats available for the 25-06. but i think the 25-06 with lighter bullets would be more suitable for chucks.