Actions can range from sturdy single shots to reliable and accurate bolt actions, to fast shooting lever actions, pumps and semi automatics. If you will be hunting in sub-zero climate you should remove all dirt and oil from the gun's action because the oil will thicken and may cause your gun to jam. Most actions will function fine without oil for short periods of time. If you do a lot of shooting in very cold climates, you may want to consider using a graphite lubricant. When hunting whitetails, your cartridge should deliver at least 900 foot-pounds of energy at the point of impact for a clean kill.
Most states have laws that specify minimum cartridge specifications for white- tail hunting.
Medium calibur, high velocity cartridges are the best choice for deer hunting. Springfield, .308 Winchester, .270 Winchester, and 7mm Remington Magnum are ideal cartridges for making clean kills when used at optimum ranges. Click here to check the ballistic ranges for various caliber cartridges. Shotguns and slugs are commonly used for deer hunting in densely populated areas, many states don't allow rifle hunting. Some of of southern states permit you to use shotguns with buckshot.