I thought long and hard and chose the 7-08. I've been shooting a 7mm rem mag for 17 years, so I was a little skeptical at first... within the first 2 range sessions, I had a base load that put 3 ballistic tips under a half-inch with a factory barrel. Almost no recoil, very easy to handload. Took my first 2 deer here in canada with it 2 weeks ago at 238 and 288 yards. ( using a rangefinder.) First buck I thought I'd missed because he disappeared at the shot... looked again and spotted his white belly. Broke his back, dropped on the spot. 2nd one came back to see why the buck wasn't moving.As I was easing along the fenceline , put one in the ribs, went in a circle, dropped 8 ft from where she was standing. Minimal meat damage, no loosing the animal in the scope when you shoot, and a great round for targets too.