Your deer in Nebraska are NOT the size of Florida Swam Deer or the average Southern Whitetail. Always over gun (larger caliber) for the larger animal. I have a 6.5 Grendel, a 6.8 Rem and a 6mm/.223 (the 6/45) any of these will do the job. Of the three calibers listed I like the 6.5 Grendel because of the ballistics of the 6.5 bullet and the longer range capabilities of that choice.
Of course you could move up to an AR in .308 and have a great caliber for your larger whitetail or mule deer you guys have up there. A better choice of bullets too with plenty of "blood trailing" potential. In the .308 I like the 165 or 168 grain bullet as it shoots pretty flat and kicks ass when it comes to taking meat. While you are at it shoot a couple 'yotes.
Of course you could move up to an AR in .308 and have a great caliber for your larger whitetail or mule deer you guys have up there. A better choice of bullets too with plenty of "blood trailing" potential. In the .308 I like the 165 or 168 grain bullet as it shoots pretty flat and kicks ass when it comes to taking meat. While you are at it shoot a couple 'yotes.