Go for the .30-06!!! It WILL KILL any North-American big game animal. And there are a wide range of bullet choices, 125 grn to 220 grns I believe. Thats if you handload, but if you dont, there is still plenty of factory ammo for the '06. Muzzle blast, it is VERY bad for your hearing, even one bang is capable of doing permanent damage, even though it may not be noticable, over the years you'll feel it.