My style of deer hunting .. I get as close as I can, and inside 200 yards is my goal. For me a 500 yard shot, 25 mph X-Wind is simply a "pass". Most of the time my shots are 150 yards or less.
I do have a second rifle. And I carry it every deer hunt that I go on. I have had one case to need it .... the stock on my 1970's vintage Browning BBR split right along a grain line. No spare ... my week of hunting would have been done.
I am 100% confident in both my deer rifles and shoot both plenty enough to feel good about using either. For each I have worked up a great load. Both have dropped mule deer cleanly at 325-350 yards. My No.1 rifle for the past several years is a Styer Mountain in 308 Win. How many deer and hogs have I killed with it ? I have no clue. I don't keep a count. As for carrying a 10+ plus rifle to the deer wooods ? Not for me.