If you want a deer rifle also you could look into a 243. They are good varment rifles and decent deer rifles. Like North Texan said a 25-06 is a good caliber but a 243 will be better if you want to keep the pelts. I only mention the 243 for deer because some states wont allow a 223 however if you live in a state where they are allowed that caliber is an effective deer rifle also if shot responsibly.