Three thoughts here, simply based on 5 decades of hunting experience
(1) with proper shot placement and a knowledge of deer anatomy, either the 62-70 grain 223 or the 123-150 grain 7.62/ 39 will kill any deer in this country at typical 150 yard and under ranges.
(2) yes there are some other excellent cartridges designed for deer hunting like the 257 roberts,270 win and you could select hundreds of other options,
its not the cartridge case stamped designation, or within reasonable limits the bullet used, its the skill and persistence, of the hunter using it thats the most important factor.
(3) use of good optics , correctly mounted,and lots of practice , with whatever you choose to hunt with will greatly improve your odds of success.
thousands of deer have been killed with archery equipment and even a 22lr rim-fire,
its not the rifle its the guy and the skill and his proficiency using it that matters.
my brother-in-law has used a marlin 357 lever action carbine usually loaded with 158 grain ammo,
for 5 decades, hes always been successful, he simply waits until a reasonable opportunity, in a good hunting area presents itself.
persistence and knowledge of the game hunted and his skill are the keys to consistent , perpetual, and on-going success.
