Minnesotahunter: I've hunted white tail in MN several times in conditions exactly like you describe. I use a 30-06 and I'd say that most (or at least many) of the guys I've hunted with over the years also use a '06.

For white tail, you can definitely use the standard cartridges put out by companies such as Federal, Remington and Winchester. I happen to use Remington (why - see below), so I'm familiar with their standard bullet the Corelokt. This bullet, and the equivalent in Federal and Winchester (whos names I don't know) were specifically designed for deer sized animals - with the size and skin thickness, etc. involved. They have been a standard and highly effective for this sort of hunting for many, many years.

You can go with a "premium" cartridge if you want. But in my opinion (one guy, one opinion), you really can't improve on the standard cartridges, in short distances for this sort of game. Get into longer shots at larger or tougher game, it's a different story.

So that brings us to the weight (grain) of bullet... All I can say is that my opinion is that anything commonly offered in those cartridges - 150, 165, 180 - are all perfectly fine. I *happen* to use 180 pointed soft point Corelokt because I tried several weights among all three brands and this is the one that happened to seem to shoot most consistently out of my gun. You'd be surprised, in some guns there can be quite a difference in accuracy among the variety of different weights in the common, major companies. So, pick one and give iti a try. If it's acceptably accurate (say 1 1/2 inch group at 100 yards), you probably don't have to bother experimenting further. If it's not satisfactory, or if you just want to shoot some more and experiment, try a few different types/brands. It can be fun. Good luck with your new gun.

PS: did you see my previous post asking for recommendations for Twin Cities well-respected gun shops? Any ideas in that line? (See Guns forum)