Youngbuck, I'm not trying to talk you out of buying a .300, but if you strictly hunt whitetails you may want to try something else. If you weigh 180-190 lbs., you should be able to handle a .300. I shoot a .270 short mag and love it. The short mags do have a little more kick to them. Everyone has there favorite caliber. Don't worry about the kick. If it bothers you that bad you can always put a BOSS on your barrell to cut down on recoil. Personally I would go with a .270, .280, or .308. Again that is just my opinion. You get what you really want. Your the one who will be hunting with it for years so follow your heart.