No doubt about it the 30-30 has been around for a long time and has taken it's share of game. I personally like something with a little more oomph, I think it's a good choice for a younger or smaller person because of the light recoil. As far as taking deer with a 223, two of guys in my hunting party hunt with 22's, one a 222 and the other a 22-250, the know the gun and the limitations like the back of their hands. They feel that when hunting with the small boys that the neck shot is best. Funny thing though, even though the standard rote is "bigger is better" they fill their tags every year.