I have only hunted whitetails so can't compare to out west. For rifles, I own:
2-.22 lrs
.243
2-6mm's
3-30-06's
45-70 Which I have never shot
3-50 cal muzzies
58 cal flintlock which I have never shot

9- 12ga
3- 20ga
1- 16 ga

For deer I have always liked the light rifles. 243
mostly here in Va we are require to use shotgun in the heavily populated north and east. for this I choose my 20ga A-5

I shot a 460 wby mag when I was in college years ago and know about bloody noses. Good thing I had my Wonderbra on!!!

I don't have anything against any of the ones mentioned and will not get into an argument over them. I know what I like and sure you know what you like. I hate when "mines better than yours" conversations take place. Seems like with the heavies the ammo cost skyrockets.

I don't have enough time to shoot all that I have Or enough places to go to do so. I have a friend who's a member of this board that has a 300wsm for sale. I would like to buy it. For What? I don't know just to have I guess.

Good Luck. Capt Brad.