what's the perfect rifle for these new bullet proof deer we have now? well, it's the one you an put a shot in the vitals with. use my 16" rock river AR when my dainty 9 year old daughter comes to the blind with me. no recoil, she shoots it well, always used partition loads or corbon dpx loads in it but glad to see the sierra's do well also, best bullet per dollar imho. my friend shot through both shoulders of a large bull elk at 376 yards, bullet not recovered and a large exit wound, elk went about 10 yards and dropped. guess what round he was using.........................................a .308 black hills barnes load. to think a 30.06 is needed for deer is just laughable, way overpowered for deer. it's great b/c you can use it on deer, yotes, grizzly, moose, and pretty sure you could take down anything that walks with it, but strictly for deer...........way overpowered. .223's are great for any kid/female/or recoil sensitive hunter that values accuracy over larger caliber flinching. just use a good bullet, you did, and congrats.................venison in the freezer.