Context is pretty much everything. I would have no problem using a .22 Hornet to take deer (meat animals) off my property for the rest of my days. I have used larger .22 centerfires, too. They can get me to about 250 yds.

But........general purpose deer rounds start with the .243 WCF and premium bullet, IMO.

When I travel to some other locale (ie., paying the bick bucks to shoot big bucks) I bring one of my .300 mags.

Sam