I started deer hunting years ago with a 270 Weatherby, then went to a 25-06, then to a 270 Winchester, and ended up gravitating to a 30-06. The 30-06 is the best of them all as a practical hunting rifle. With a 165 grain bullet loaded with 57 grains of IMR 4350 I wouldn't be concerned about taking a shot at anything I will ever encounter. With a 150 grain bullet loaded with IMR 4350, IMR 4064 or IMR 4895 it makes an excellent deer rifle. I hunt 200 pound deer every year and with the advent of the 300 pound wild hog the 30-06 really provides comfort factor. Good choice on you new rifle. Shooter