That caliber is legal in some states, MI being one of them, at least up north. Can it kill a deer, sure it can with a well placed shot at the proper distance andwith the proper bullet. Is it the best choice, not in my opinion or most others on this board. Especially for a new hunter. I agree the .243 would be a better choice and the minimum I would use for deer at ranges beyond 100 yards.

If you do decide to use that rifle, pick a bullet suitable to the job and learn shot placement because it will be key. With that small of a round you won't have a lot of leeway for a poor shot. And even with a well placed shot don't expect that round to drop one in it's tracks like a 30-06 or .270 might do. Chances are you will have to track what you shoot with that gun. Not saying that is deffinate, but the odds are higher that you will than you won't.

If I had no other choice I would use a .222/.223 for deer, but in all honestly I would use a slug gun or inline muzzle loader first. And a 30-30 or 7.62x39 would be even better yet.

Just my opinion though, take it for it's worth.

Paul