Yup - Great cartridge, especially if you only have one gun and plan to hunt elk or bear with it - or do some longer range hunting/ shooting. Basically - you'll never have one run off too far. Keep in mind though - that magnums aren't for everyone. Some can shoot them and some not. If the recoil and associated noise doesn't bother you - it will do everything that any common deer round will do and more. Definately stay away from 200gr bullets though. I would shoot 150, 165 or 180s absolute tops. Also - you might opt for a tad heavier gun to soak up some of the energy from the recoil. It's a popular cartride and for general deer hunting many think it's too much. I've never had a deer complain and if you keep your shots in the boiler room, your butcher will be happy too.

Good hunting.