Here's my .02 and it won't take long.
I hunt NH and have been for many, many years. (I was born when Truman was President). And, I have shot my share of whitetails.
I hunt the NH Muzzleloader Season and I use my 50 cal TC. When rifle season opens, depending on the areas I plan to hunt, I use either my Browning Bolt action 30-06 or my Ruger .44 mag carbine. And that's it.
All have scopes that cost under $200.
I also hunt thick, nasty swamps or hardwood ridges (I love edges) and I have never shot a deer over 70 yds away, and that was a few years back during Muzzleloader Season.
Not to sound cocky but most of my deer have been taken at 20-30 yds no matter what I have in my hand and almost all never take another step. A quick, clean kill is what I strive for.
It ain't rocker science but you simply have to be comfortable with what you're shooting and also have a high degree of dependability.
Good Luck in whatever you decide.
Last edited by Jimmy S; 01-31-2018 at 08:50 AM.