RE: what caliber for long distance deer?
The question was about deer hunting at long ranges, not shooting targets at long ranges. There is a distinct difference. Sure the 308 is a fine gun for that, typically extremely accurate, cheap to build and shoot and the manageability of the rifle (low recoil and quick recovery) makes for a great package for punching holes in targets at longer ranges. BUT powerwise the gun is lacking for cleanly taking deer in the 600yd + range.
I could be wrong, but then again how many 1k yd deer shooting clubs in PA have shooters using 308s from the mountaintops?
RA