I've seen deer shot with pretty much everything through the years and would say my vote for knockdown punch only would be the 350 Remington or 35 Whelen (taking into consideration recoil, cost, etc.). What do you all think?
I think you are right. I am more impressed with bigger slower bullets, than lighter faster bullets.
If you do not factor in recoil?

I really love big & fast bullets for stopping game.

375-Remington Ultra Mag shooting 300-grain Nosler Partitions should work well on deer? I will find out next year if my theory is correct?