I wasn't giving my example of using my Ballard Union Hill in .38-55 as a comparison to knock down power. I was using it as an example of using a schuetzen type rifle to hunt deer, since he mentioned some hesitancy to use his schuetzen for deer.
And bumping up a full grain isn't something I'd do if the charge was close, and I was trying to define a perfect load. But his load for the .32-40 using 7.5 grs. of Unique is so anemic he can easily go up 1 full grain, and not be putting anything into jeopardy. Once he's bumped it up to 8.5 grs. Unique, he can then begin to refine it slowly until it's what he wants. But as it is it's much to mild for deer hunting with a .32-40 and 175 gr. bullet.

Again, BlackPowderLove stated that his rifle in question is a German schuetzen rifle from the early twenties. Unless one gets lucky, and the rifle fits, it would be from an offhand position, not a good or best situation for a hunting rifle regardless of cartridge. In my estimation even more so with the cartridge in question. To use the example of taking a large Mule deer buck at 140 yards with a 38-55 to justify the use of the posters rifle to do the same, albeit at shorter range, is not a credible comparison nor a wise choice. This is my opinion and may not agree with others, but is none the less, just as worthy of consideration. I do wish BlackPowderLove the best of luck on his deer hunt, but also pleased with his decision to use another and better choice of rifle and cartridge. Krag

Granted, it would help to see the rifle in question, but it was described as a German schuetzen rifle, and "very much a target rifle", hence my notations. As I always say, everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Let's make this simple, you do things your way, and I will do them my way.

It was, I was just done.

Until a big fire burned my traditional hunting area (1959 on ...) I used several rifles but settled on a handi-rifle in 30-30. LVR and good hunting bullet. Worked rather well!
Now we hunt family property in a muzzleloader only area so .50 cal, short range i.e. 50 yds.  Tree stand, area is too small for more than one hunter at a time, bounded on two sides by public trail so one has to carefully make certain that everything goes into the ground.

Interesting in that you brought up the 30-30 and what I killed my first deer with when still a wee lad and in the 7th grade. Still a good choice now as it was way back then and so would the 8.15X46R be as far as I am concerned within its own effective range. Also reminds abit about going to Colorado to hunt and the care taker of the private land he allowed us to hunt on was a Native American. He used to joke about and shake his head at some of the firearms the out of state per-say elephant hunters would typically bring with them. He shot a 243 for everything including elk and bear and myself a 6MM Rem on a Ruger #1B so I could easily relate to him.