2 years ago I shot a 150 class with a 243 - he ran 150 yards and parked it into some heavy cover - lung shot but effective - At that time I had a 30-06 with a poor scope and did not trust the accuracy. A few years of saving some money - I finally downed my second deer over 160 - used the 30-06 with a Ziess scope (Smith&Wesson 1500 Model) I turned to this gun just because the big man needs a big gun philosophy! Shot placement is critical - the last two deer with the 30-06 - no more than 15-30 yards - heart shots! Plus the exit hole from the last deer was about 3 inches - but the deer was only 30 yard from my ground position!