You have gotten alot of good information from all the people here. The .234, 25-06, .270, .280 and even the 7mm Mag. These are all very nice deer rounds. Although the 7mm is just a bit to much, I have seen alot of deer taken down with this round. It is really hard to say what the best round would be for you. I believe it is more important to have a firearm for deer hunting that you can fire very comfortably. That said If you have the chance try firing afew different rounds start small (.234) and work up (7mm). Make sure when trying these firmarms out you concentrate on breathing and squeezing the trigger without flinching. Flinching is the biggest problem with large cal rounds. You and only you can choose the right round for deer hunting. A couple of things to keep in mind when looking are weight, you made be carring this rifle for a full 12 hour day. Length can you shoulder the firarm quickly and comfortably.