Depends a lot on where you live.
In much of the south, it’s rare to get a 200 yard shot.
Agree. Never even lased a potential 200 yd shot.
Longest shot available to me is 100 - 150 yards.
You said: “In much of the south, it’s rare to get a 200 yard shot.” ( I agree)
My father killed his last white tail deer, at over 400 yards. (Dad died in March of 2021) He almost always shot 30-06. (he was a armorer in WWII)
For me, it is not about long range. 5.56 can be accurate, it does not normally have as much knockdown power.
I like and shoot 30-30, with the right load, it is capable of accuracy out to 200 yards. (160 gr. Hornady FTX bullets) Receiver sight is recommended.
Also reload and shoot 7.62x39. Very similar ballistics to 30-30.
7.62x51 is the logical next step, then 30-06.
I don’t own a 6 or 6.5 Creedmoor (very popular now).