If you could only have one rifle to hunt deer I would suggest the 30-06 which can take any game in North America, and its not an overkill. You can also find a wide selection of shells at any ma and pa service stations throughout the country. I would stay away from the 45-70 or the 300 mag unless you wanted hamburger. Good luck <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>