I haven't read all the responses to this post, and in 11 pages, I am sure that everything has probably been suggested more than once. My only words of "wisdom" are that, from someone that has gotten over "magnumitis", there are too many good light recoiling calibers on the market to get your butt kicked (or forehead busted in your case) by a hard kicking magnum. Deer are not that hard to kill especially at 100 yards and under (if you do your part). I killed 4 of my 6 deer this year with my Marlin 336 30-30. It is an excellent light recoiling round that is often over looked due to the newer "whiz bang" calibers on the market. Other excellent choices are 243, 260, and 7mm08. Good luck with your decision.