I usually take a couple rifles with me when I go to shoot. I always take a .22 just to kill time with so my rifle barrel has time to properly cool off between shots. A barrel has to get more than a shot or two thru it before it gets hot enough to matter. As far as caliber goes a .308, 7mm-08, and a .270 are all great for deer. I just bought a TC Venture in 7mm-08 for my wife.