This may not be a popular post, but I am going to voice my opinion anyway. I don't believe a new hunter should be concerned with "long range" hunting until he is proficient at realistic ranges (100 yards+/-). I have been deer hunting 25 years and have killed well over 100, and 99% of them were under 100 yards (most under 50 yards). In my opinion, if a hunter can't get within 200-300 yards of a deer, he needs to evaluate why and work on improving his "hunting" skills.

Mignolafan
You still haven't specified where you are in "East Texas" and where you intend to hunt.

I am going to make another caliber suggestion that I don't believe has been mentioned but is a timeless classic. I have safe full of guns in numerous calibers and action types, but for my place in east Texas, I have gone back to a Marlin 336 30-30 as my primary deer rifle. It has more than adequate killing power out to 150 yards and is a mild recoiling round that is a pleasure to practice with. The ammo is also reasonably priced which should enable you to practice more without stressing your wallet.