Actually, I don't believe his "ended rut" comment is exactly accurate. The truth is that the crazy disruption of gun season itself kind of drives it all nocturnal so that it seems like it is all over. At least that has been my experience. I have seen a lot of rut activity in the first part of opening day of gun season. But anyway, people will believe what ever makes them comfortable with their own lack of success.
Oh , and Lowes will "price match" other stores . A while back , I needed 3 floor jacks . I knew the price at HD which was cheaper than Lowes . The clerk at the store asked if I wanted her to price match and I said , sure go ahead . She called HD and got their price , matched it and took off an extra percentage . That was sweet .
That's just the wrong attitude to have. No caliber replaces accuracy. I'm not shooting 1 inch groups out to 300 yards either but I know what I can shoot accurately and stick to those limits. With that said, a larger caliber will be harder for you to get use to and as a result, harder for you to shoot accurately in the beginning. Whatever caliber or gun you choose, practice the heck out of it. 30-30 lever action works. So does a .270 or .308 bolt. Bubba has a great idea as well. Single shots forces you to focus on your shot.