Let me echo what almost everyone else has said...the 7 mag will definitely do the job both up close and at long range. However, if you will only be taking shots under 150 yds, there are more practical cartridges. If you don't need the long range, then why deal with the unneccessary recoil and muzzle blast of the 7 mag? I think one of the best kept secrets for medium and short range deer hunting is the 7mm-08 (it's parent 308 is good too). I just started shooting my 7mm-08 this season, and i have never been happier with a gun. I like it more than my 30-06 and more than my brother's 270. The 7-08 has great balistic performance, and it will kill a deer just as well as a 7 mag at medium to short distances but without the recoil and muzzle blast. You will be able to shoot it more comfortably, more confidently, and therefore probably more accuratley. I am a big fan of the 7-08, and I think you will be too.

Rob