RE: Are bigger cartridges really better?
i'm not an expert on ballistics but i believe a .30-06 will break both front shoulders of any north american game animal when shot square in the shoulder. maybe not at 400 yards but most hunters don't shoot that far anyway. if hunting big bears over bait, your shot is going to be within 40 yards anyway not 400 yards. i'm not trying to argue, just post some of my observations.
i use to be a "bigger is better" kinda hunter, that is why i own a Wby .300 Mag. i bought it several years ago and hunted faithfully with it. i'll never sell any of my guns that's why i still have it. i haven't hunted with it since i realized i don't need it for what i hunt. i bought a .25-06 last year to hunt with and believe that was the best hunting decision i ever made.