H., the ruger carbines are available here but they run around 800 bucks. I am toting a 223 and will be the first to admit it is not usually enough gun. But consider that the deer is already hurt enough for the dog to bay it. You have a good tracking dog that will stay with it now for sure and I always have the 357 SIG plus a good knife if things get hairy and it needs to be taken down in a hurry. Otherwise I would go with at least a 243.