I just bought a Savage 111 in 7mm mag. The recoil takes a time or two to get used to, but with a recoil pad I don't even feel it. I really like it so far. It has really tight groups and is very consistant on the rifle range. I haven't gotten it out hunting yet. I have been using my 30 30 and my buddy's ruger .270 which is a great gun. I think either the 7mm mag or the .270 is a great choice, but I like the 7mm mag because it would have a little knockdown power on bigger game. I am not nearly as experienced as some of these other guys and I don't know as much, but I have shot both calibers a good bit. So I hope I helped.