What do you think about using this rifle, obviously in .303, for deerhunting where shots are within 175 yards?

Provided you're using a good load designed for hunting and not military full metal jacket, the .303 will do pretty much anything a 30-06 will do. You should be just fine.

While I regard the SMLE action as leaving something to be desired as far as esthetics are concerned, it and the .303 round bothare extremely effective for both warfare and game shooting.

I have been amazed a couple of times at the accuracy you can get from an old "Smelly"...

Old "smelly" huh? This particular one probably is, as it spent a number of years in Vietnam prior to being brought state side by pops in 1966.

This was my first big game rifle. Got it in 1967. Put a Fajen stock on it and a scope mount. The old two groove barrel would shoot MOA with the 180 gr. Sierra bullet. Several elk fell to this load, including one at about 250 yards.

To Red Lion: You say your pops brought it home from Vietnam? That sounds like a very interesting story. Tell us some more. Was this some type of issued rifle? Do tell. I hope your dad is still around. And if he is, tell him I said thank you, and welcome home. Tom.

It should work just fine.

Head0001, unfortunately my father passed away 8 years ago. He actually brought two of them back from Vietnam, I guess as war booty. He actually used/was issued an m-14 while he served. He was a grunt in Big Red One and did some time on a river boat in some capacity. He was never really forth coming about his experiences in Vietnam, and I can now appreciate that after 16 years of service and two tours in the big liter box. Thanks for the interest.