While our state does allow the 223 for deer hunting and while a lot of ranchers carry them for varmits and sometimes use them for deer, I don't consider them a deer rifle either. If I was hunting varmits during deer season and the right shot came along, I may shoot another deer with a 22-250. But I feel that that 25 caliber is where the deer rifles start. The 308 is one of the very best. The 6.5x55 is one of my all time favorites. The 30-06 Remington pump is the all around rifle for me. As far as American guns vs other guns, I have no problem with where a gun is made as long as it gives me my bang for the buck. I would love to buy all American products but its not always practicle and I tend to support a company that tries to give good service and a product worth the money regardless of price. Sometimes I can get by good with a chevy, sometimes I need a Hummer.