i suppose my original inquiry has created some tangents or evolved into more questions from me. less recoil isn't my main concern, but i would like a round that will have the best expansion at a range less than 100 yds. the longest shot on the property is roughly 140 yds.

i've completed one season on the property and we haven't quite found the deer's pattern. i've spotted dear from as close as 30 yds and as far as 100 yds. a rifle that will fit this range comfortably is what i'm looking for.

the deer i harvested this past season i took with my 280 at 60 yds, but it felt to me as "too much rifle" (if that makes any sense) for that distance. i have my eye on hangun hunting after i get a couple more seasons under my belt.