RE: what will be your next firearm?
Cal,
Sound strategy --spreadiing out your calibers. Since you have time, then work your way up into the bigger calibers in a leisurely fashion. Shoot some of your friends/acquaintances calibers that are bigger than what you got. Preferrable to not cover the whole distance in one leap. When shooting someone elses gun make sure the stock is long enough, if not add a pair of gloves or a folded gun case between your shoulder and the stock to make the fit. Be careful of scopes that are mounted too far back or have a short eye relief. Make sure your thumb is away from your nose. Be wary of someone setting you up for recoil entertainment. Keep close track of what bullet weight they're feeding you so thet don't slip in a heavy one! Then fire away and enjoy, knowing you WON'T get kissed on your first date.
Big bores are best introduced with a little coaching, unfortunately some sick folks will just hand it to you with no guidance and watch what happens - the more you get hurt the more macho they feel. Good Luck.
EKM
Good judgment comes from bad experience! Half of elk hunting is knowing what NOT to do!