There seem to be alot of topics about "the best deer round" out there. I have killed deer with .410ga, 12ga, .222, .30-30, .243, .270, 7mm, 8mm, .300, .300wsm and .308. There is no rite or wrong caliber for whitetail deer. The only factor you need is the RANGE that you will be shooting. Any of the above rounds will kill ANY whitetail deer you happen to come across. I killed my first deer with .410 slug at about 30-35yards. 12ga out to 75-80yards. I killed deer out to 150yards with my .243 and my 30-30. My .270 has a few out to 200-225. while my 300 and 308 gotten them out to 300. Where I hunt I dont have the big 1000yard shots everyone thinks they need there guns for. I would suggest you get a gun that will fit your range. Then go out and learn to shoot it. dont just put 10rounds threw it to site it in and be happy. Learn the recoil, so your not scared when its time to pull the trigger. Learn bullet placement and how different shooting stances change bullet impact. Learn your gun and make good clean kills with one shot.