I've hunted all over Texas for over 30 years and I see many hunters use different calibers, but they always seem to go back to the .270. I think it is the best all around caliber, with good decent power, awesome accurac, and accuracy is easy to find. I used the Federal Premium 130 grain and saw success. I think the most important thing to remember is to shoot a gun you have confidence in and are not afraid to shoot. I shoot a .300 win mag and it shoots a dime sized (bullet holes touch each other) at 200 yards with a group of 3-4. Never been a big fan of the .243, but alot of people love them, but I believe anything from a 25.06 on up (25wssm, 260 Rem, 257 Weatherby, 264 win mag, 270wssm, 280 Rem) will do depending on where you are hunting. Deer in deep south Texas, old bucks get up to 240+ lbs., and I shoot the .300 because I'm not into tracking, however, it has made me deaf. Anything under 400 yds. will usually hit the ground. Ya'll have a successful season and be careful getting in and out of stands.