Bro I grew up in the northern most point of NY and have been hunting up there for almost 20 years I have taken bucks that range from 130-242lbs with my 7mm-08 with 140 grain noslers and regular loads, it has either dropped them in their tracks or stopped them within a 100, trust me no matter the load, that gun is plenty to get-r done, the bigger they are the harder they fall, it's all about the shot placement. Good luck