I wouldn't hunt with anything smaller than a .243,I have shot several nice Bucks and Doe's with my Browning .243 so I know that good shot placement makes a big difference in getting a Deer....now on the larger calibers I think that a 300 win or Win mag is over-kill in my opinion and I wouldn't use the Ballistic-tip bullets on a Deer but know several that have!I also hunt with a 30-06,a .270 WSM and plan on getting a new Savage in a 7mm-08 caliber.