I've been using a 7mm mag as my primary deer gun for the last 20 years. I picked up a 7-08 for my son to start hunting with. I really like the balistics and though you are not concerned with recoil (never have been either, esp. with a deer in the crosshairs), the 7-08 shoots so smooth (like I said I'm used to shooting the 7 mm mag). I also have a .308 which I like also but I find the balance a little better with the 7-08. (then again could be model of guns- .308 Rugar, 7-08 Rem).