RE: .308 VS 7MM rem. mag
For me, and most of the people living around where I do, a 7mm Magnum is just too much gun for close quarters deer hunting. The 308, 30-06, 270 and calibers similar to those are more appropriate. Most shots around here are under 100 yards, and a 7mm Magnum is just too much kick, velocity and meat dameging power for deer sized game. Now there are guys who will argue and some of thier arguments are warrented, but even my 270 will waste some meat at close quarters if the shot isnt right on target. But at least with it, the recoil is managable enough to place the shot where it is needed more times than not. The 308 is in that same class of low recoil guns. Low recoil, accurate, enough gun to take down most game that you point it at without developing manumitis. What more can you ask for in an all around gun?