I just can't see using such a rifle. I'd at least step up to a 243 or 6mm Remington. Yeah, If you use a bullet like the nosler partition and only take perfect shots it might get by and kill a deer. But why risk a crippling a deer? And could you really hold your fire if a really good buck presented you with a bad angle for a shot? The only shot you might ever have at him? I just wouldn't take any 22 centerfire deer hunting. I love them for varming shooting....they are my favorite cartridges but they are special purpose cartidges! OK, I'll get off my soapbox.