The .250 Savage is good for deer and antelope to modest ranges, maybe 250 yards or so. It will handle them with ease. Only thing is the case capacity is limited, so keep bullet weights to under 115 grains to allow for plenty of space for powder. When using the lighter bullets for deer, make sure they are of good quality, such as the partitions, grand slams, etc. For varmints, anything in the 85 grain class will work fine. A good round and have fun!