I have many rifles, 243, 223, 270win, 308, 30-06, 44mag ,7.62x39, but my favorite is the 45-70 in a Marlin 1895. I've killed many deer with them and my thoughts on the ballistic stuff is wright it on some toilet paper and wipe your butt with it. Shot placement is what counts. Use a good bulllet at moderate volicity and put it thru the boiler room, and the deer will be yours.