[Kirkes]

I agree with stalkingbear on several points. The .270 Win is one of my all-time favorites pound for pound. The 7mm diameter is truely the most versitile bullet out there. The .284 win is a favorite of mine. I have a Rem 700 bdl with a 24 injh shilen barrel that has taken everything fron bull elk to bobcat. The 6.5 diameter does have good BC's and sectional densities but at the cost of efficiency. When I head out for whitetail the rifle I carry is an early production rem 700 6mm rem. with a 24 in heavy barrel. This rifle likes the smaller boattail bullets from nosler quite well, but the best groups are the 85 grn berger match and the 87grn spire point flat base from sierra. I use the sierra since the berger is not recommend for hunting applications. I have taken deer at over 500 yds with this rifle, but i go through lots of primers before i go to the field. Its easy on the shoulder and the most accurate rifle i have ever shot.

[mississippigirl]

I like to hunt with my TC Encore Pro Hunter .280. It is easy to load and handle.

[Alan Jackson]

Well for starters it depends on your hunting situation. Are you hunting open territory? If so you may wish to invest in a 270 or a 280. The 30.06 is a great gun also for most all deer hunting situations. It offers different size bullet types and weights.
If you are hunting heavy brush territory you may wish to opt in for a 44 magnum. The 44 is a great brush gun and 150 yard shots can be made with practice. The 30-30 has probably downed more deer than any other rifle on the planet.

Just a little to think about. Good luck to you, but don't count on luck. Learn to create successful hunts, and you will be glad for it.