ORIGINAL: Catus Magnus
Unless you're hunting Really Big animals and much longer ranges than you really have any business shooting, get a .270 or 30-06... and that works for the vast majority of hunters (me included).
'magnums' are vastly overrated.
Are you kidding? The 7mm Rem Mag is one of the most popular deer cartridges, and it's in no way overkill, it's got a small bullet diameter, and I think it's the most "practical" magnum there is, 'cause when you get into .300 Win. Mag, and .338, you're starting to talk elk cals, but I wouldn't worry evenabout hunting with a .300 Win. Mag. on deer, either.
The 7mm Rem Mag, works for the vast majority of hunters, and the 7mm Rem Mag and the 30-06 are ballistically similar at 100 yards, but out to 300, the 7mm Rem Mag, is MUCH better.
It's a very practical choice, my dad has a 7mm Rem Mag, and it's no overkill. With a 4x12x40 scope on it, it's a great gun.