[LOC1]

Most of Louisiana is short shots in dense undergrowth, so a heavy bullet at low velocity has some advantages. Have seen people do very well with a Winchester model 94 30-30 scoped with a two power scope.

The high velocity light rounds, like a .243, are better suited for west Texas.

Don't know what So Carolina is like.

[Redcloak]

I was about to write something similar what LOC1 posted. It depends on what the conditions are where you plan to hunt. I hunt an area in So. Calif. that's got some pretty thick cover. I use a Marlin 1894 in .44 mag. It's easy to handle in such tight spaces, but it's not a good choice for more open areas with longer shots. On the other end of the scale is a friend of mine who hunts in more open areas in UT and MT. He swears by his .270. Do you know anything about the terrain where you'll be hunting? (Beyond the disturbing lack of Eucalyptus and palm trees, that is. :)

[Colorado Doug]

I'll second the 30-30 for a first rifle, except with iron sights. Great all around rifle. Don't need much light if you want to shoot a varmint but you can still drop a deer at 100 yards. I would never part with mine.

[Jeff Gordon]

Winchester model 94 30-30

This has been a great hunting rifle for over 100 years. Nothing has happened to change that. Those manufactured before 1964 are keepers for for at least another century.