All depends on where I'm hunting. Could be a .45-70, a .35 Rem or a .300 H&H. I do prefer the less common chamberings though.

I use a .243 for smaller deer and a 7MM RM for large deer.

I use my Marlin 336C levergun with iron sights in .35 Remington, if hunting in tight cover.

If you can shoot it well and put the bullet where it belongs then you have the best deer rifle for you.

After trying all sorts of rifles and calibers for the last 8 years I have finally settled on two for my deer hunting while the others stay if the safe. The first is my Marlin 336 BL in 30-30 with a leupold VX-3 1.5-5x20mm scope and Hornady LeverEvolution ammo for hunting in the woods and on drives. The other is my Remington 700 SPS in 270 with a B&C Medalist stock, Leupold VX-3 3.5-10x40mm and Federal 130gr Ballistic tip ammo which I use while hunting over the fields.

You asked which rifle people like but then named the caliber you like. So I will name both. :) I have a Browning BAR 30-06 that I absolutely love. Can it drive tacks? No, but that is what I have thumbs for. ;) Seriously though, it is a hunting gun so I don't worry about sub-MOA or even MOA groups. It with a 165 gr Nosler Partition bullet has dropped almost every deer I have shot with it in their tracks. The few that have run have not gone out of sight. Me and Mr. BAR have a deal, I point him at game and he knocks them down. :D