In general I agree with most of the every day posters and hunters here that the old 30-06 is probably the perfect cartridge for hunting in the lower 48 states. If you want to try something else, well go for it, I have and found some great cartridges but come back tot he 06 often.

Noise and recoil, how to deal with them. First use hearing protection at the range and go to the range often. Learn to hold that weapon in the 10 ring and call the shots. Covering the ears IS A MUST and for recoil get a shoulder pad. IN the field when you hunt, at least when I hunt, I hear NO noise feel NO recoil. Got other things on my mind out there.

I now shoot a 338 win mag because I like it for my elk and deer hunting, UNLESS I am down in sage brush mainly looking for deer or antelope. Thats when I pull out the 06 and a bullet weight for better flat shooting.

If you can, start with a light caliber, 243, move ot 308, 30-06 etc until you find what works well for you.

NOw if you want the fast track? Find a buddy like I did who loads 45-70 up to 458 strength, fire off in a 8 # rifle OR shoot 2 oz turkey loads in a 6 # shot gun. Do either a few times, and believe me, everything becomes like a BB rifle.