Just about any time one starts out with "you people" you've pretty much already lost the discussion.

Nonetheless, in answer to your question, for me personally, it is the summation across a group of variables that important to me:that satisfyingly loudK-THUD on impact, the greater reaction by the animal on impact, the ability to drill right thru bone or long penetrations of soft tissue andthe abilitytake less than pretty presentations.

Also, we pick up secondary elk tags for our annual elk hunt. When you get into elk, you are into the elk. Mags work great for me as they allow for the convincing slap down on elk #1 to where I can quickly focus in on elk #2 instead of waitingon the "he shouldgo down any second now.... syndrome.

Personally, I put the 270, 7mmRemMag, 30-06, 300WinMag all at the same felt recoil level, all pretty darntame. I do recognize that the degree of riflemanship and knowledge regarding recoil managementdoes vary wildly across hunters, given the low level of training most receive.

It's kind of like riding horses: some want the old grey mare and other want the thoroughbred; it largely depends on the capability of the rider.