my sister with her first buck, first day in Pa. . shot with a 22-250 at 30 yards. he ran less then 100 yards. no exit hole. i reload 60 grain sierra soft points for it. this is her 4th deer with this gun. i was sitting right beside her when she shot, i did tell her she needs a little bit bigger gun because of mornings like this, rain and lots of other people close by. it works, but a little bigger caliber wouldn't hurt.