ive killed quite a few deer with the 257. mostly with 100 grain seirras and nos bt but some with 100 corelocks, nos part, hot cores, and barnes tsx. Ive also used 115-120 sierras, BTs, parts, hot cores and hornady interlocks. Differnce in killin power and meat damage between all of them is slight and bullet placement has alot more to do with it then bullet selection. If i had to pick one bullet to use on deer it would probably be the 100 bt. If the rifle possibly would be used on something larger id probably go with the 115 or 120 partition, whichever shot better. this year im going to do some load developement wth sciracco bullets just to try something differnt. Ive got a bunch loaded for the new 7 mag, 7stw and my new 257. Only bullet id really say ever failed me was the tsx barnes. It just doenst open up well enough or fast enough to anchor deer. Might be a great elk bullet in the 257 but i wouldnt use it again on deer.