[mouser]

If it were me I would be looking at some 7mm calibers. The best mix of range, accuracy, and stopping power.

I have hunted antelope and deer with both the 7mm tcu and the 6.5 tcu using Thompson center pistols. the 6.5 with a 120 to 130 grain bullet seemed to be the better of the two.
these are just .223 cartridge with the neck opened up for 6.5mm or 7mm bulletts i would think either could be made to work in the current rifles the only problem with the 7 mm would be the very short shoulder.

[Beagle8U]

I know that the 7mm is a very versatile caliber. I've never used anything in 6.5 mm. I do shoot a 6mm rem. and like it for both varmints and deer.

In the 7mm cal. the 280 Rem is my favorite. 30/06 case necked down for 7mm except its case and shoulder is .050 longer. 30% less recoil than the 7mm mag and only 150-200 fps slower in max loads.