6.5X55 Swedish mauser. 87 gr. bullet for varmints, 120 gr. for deer and 140 gr. for bigger game. IF YOU HANDLOAD. 140 gr. factory ammo will work for deer.

I also like the 7X57 mauser for a light recoil cartridge with lots of punch.

.300 savage in a Savage Model 99 would make a fine light deer gun. (I used one to shoot my first moose)

Robin