If you are looking for a less expensive rifle I would recommend a savage bolt actionin 308 for deeror 30-06 if you really think bigger game is possible. If you are looking at higher end guns I would try the Kimber Montanabolt action ($950.00) in 243 winchesterfor deer sized game or a30-06if larger game is in the cards. The reason I choose the 243 for thethe Kimber is the short action weights only 5lbs 3 oz, and Ihave fired the 308 and ithas pretty stiff recoil. No fun at the range. I generally would not chose a magnum unless long shots a priority.