some here may argue, but i think the best deer cartridge available may be the 7mm-08. It's short action, mild recoil, range and power are all there. I myself have a 7mm-08 and a 30.06. I feel prepared to hunt anything in NA. I am quickly beginning to love the 7mm-08.

that being said, hunting conditions apply. If you are not shooting long distances and are in the woods, a 30-30 or a 12 gauge may be the best caliber to get your deer. So in a sense there is NO best cartridge.