I only shoot Blacktails which are a lot smaller but over the years I cannot say any one bore size has proven to be better than the others some will allow a longer shot at the deer, but I have used .40/.44/.45/.50/.54/.58/.62/.72 and all have done well if I do my part and hunt responsibly, I guess a gun is like a woman the one I like best is the one I'm with..........as for guns at this point it would be .58 or .62 a tossup with the .62 having a very slight edge in range due to a rear sight, but the .58 is hands down the best feeling, most comfortable gun I have ever owned.