For a deer only gun i think that either the 25-06 or the 7mm-08, will do just fine, and as for a bigger game gun that doesnt have too much recoil either go with the 7mm or the 30.06 i for one shot a 30.06 Mossberg with a stock recoil pad and it doesnt bother me at all and i find it drops the elk and moose just fine.