lilhunter,
How do you get used to noise? Same way I got used to my '06, shoot it once or twice and learn to expect it to be that loud and that it's not going to hurt you. Once you expect that roaring boom! that's that. I always wear ear plugs on the range. and when I shoot in the woods I normaly don't hear anything if thier is a deer or elk in front of me.

coloelkhunter,
Start with a 243? You mean that in general you would start with a 243 and then over the years you would find what works best for you. ok.

I've just got rid of my 30/06 and it worked "ok". I have no doubt it would work on anything if you were close enough. I am kind of asking now if the 7mag is "much" more punishing to shoot than a 06. Or if the 30-06 is an all around better rifle.

"Hey ya'll, watch this"