I still use my old Marlin from time to time. It was my first deer rifle and I've taken many deer with it. I've always just used the 150 grain winchester bullets, but sometimes I have used the 170 grain ones... Doesn't seem to make too much difference in the end results. I mainly use a .300 win mag now since my hunting situation has changed. What used to be acres of thick pines is now just a big field!