In my honest opinion, a 30-30 is a great little brush gun and shots under 150 yards. shot placement is everything, but to be honest, if you plan on huntin big muleys get a 300mag,7mm or even a 30-06. most shots on mule deer are long shots, 200-300-400 yards ,and if you see one of them big boys out 400 yards, you can make your shot with alot more confidence.