Thanks for all the responses and guidance.

I'm flexible on the ammo selection - as long as there is at least a good deer round offeredat a moderate price. $30+ bucks a carton is not my cup of tea.

For those worried about the killing power of the .25's and under, would changing criteria #1 to "up to 200 yards" change your opinion?

This gun could also very well be my son's first rifle when he gets older.