The gun you are really looking for is the 250 Savage. Its to bad that this caliber is now so hard to find. Nothing else that I have used is milder in the recoil than the 250 yet it packs plenty of power for deer hunting. The 257 Roberts which is chambered in the Ruger All Weather ( I Think) would be a good choice as well. A little more recoil but plenty of power for the biggest deer around. Yes, the same rifle in 6.5x55 would be a terrific choice as well.