My very first deer rifle (when I was 16 years old), was a 308 Winchester Model 88, and I loved it. I shot my first forkie with it using 150 grain soft point bullets at about two hundred yards and it went straight down, I later purchased a sporterized Mauser 98, in 30-06, for my first elk hunt in Montana. My 308 now likes 150 grain Nosler Balistic tips with RL-15 powder and will put them in about a one inch group, not bad for an old lever gun with an old Weaver 4 power scope. I now use the rifle to plink with and as a loaner to friends that are just starting out. A great caliber, ammo is easy to find and cheap!