I hunt Mule deer and use several different rifles none of which are really best but all very good. The 25-06. 6.5x55,7mm-08,270 and 308. These all do a very good job on deer out to 300 yards which is the Max for me to shoot at deer. To many variables past that range IMO. The 280 and many other calibers would work just as well. Most states require 22 caliber centerfires and bigger for deer hunting with some states requiring 24 caliber and up. Still a few more states allow 22 rimfire as well. .22 rimfires should not be allowed anywhere for deer size game IMO.