I've dropped deer with just about everything from .222 to .375 H&H and I've seen friends drop a heck of a lot more....

The best performers in my opinion are .243 Win, 6MM Rem, .257 Roberts, .25-06. I consider the .260 Remington an equal in this group although I know no one that has one yet.

I agree that the .270-.30-06 group is far more powerful than truly needed, but they'll still do a good job.

The .223 might be a real winner for you.....personally, I'd step up to the next group. Trailing a wounded deer without snow and no exit hole can be very frustrating indeed!!