No disrespect intended Zrex, but the loads (depicted by you) factor in some pretty broad assumptions on user choice and your graph didn't denote additonal calibers mentioned in previous posts either.

The fact of the matter is we should be speaking of ballitic tables concerning two-hundred yard ranges and under while discussing whitetail hunting as a rule. Doing that, the 30.06, 7mm mag, and 300 win mag all deliver tremendously more ft-lbs from muzzle through 500 yards...ridiculously more at 500 yards by the way. The .270 enjoys more ft-lbs as well and is only slightly slower fps wise. The 7mm mag and the .300 win mag also blow the .243 out of the water in the fps category ...again, from 100-500 yards and virtually tied even at the muzzle. The .300 win mag also enjoys some 7 inches less bullet drop at 500 yards.

All this talk about 'best deer gun' and '500 yard shots' is rather pointless, I hardly think the two could euate into an intelligent argument. Furthermore, whomever might be seeking a 'best deer gun for 500 yard shots' would never be a hunting partner of mine.

By the way, don't take my word for it, click the link and compare any three guns at a time, you may wish to enter calibers/loads the proponents of other calibers/loads would likely use too...

http://www.remington.com/ammo/ballistics/ballistics.htm