I would not choose any cartridges for which a reasonable variety of quality factory ammo was no longer available. I would not choose any true magnum that are more suited for the big critters. I would not go for the obscure such as the 308 Norma Mag., Warbird, or 30/378, etc. I would not go below a 25 cal. For me the minimim for deer is the 6 mm Rem. or 243 Win. No 22 cal. stuff for me. I am pretty much stuck on 30 cal., proven, Plain-Jane stuff for deer - 30.06 Spr., 308 Win., and 300 Win.