If you want something "in between", then definately the 7mm-08.
Much lighter recoil and the ammo is cheaper. (7mm-08 kicks a 140gr @ 12.6 ft lbs. And the 7mag kicks a 150gr @19.2 ft lbs!)
It will still kill out past 300 yards, just a little more drop than the 7mm Mag. One stat to compare is the MPBR = Maximum Point Blank Range. That is is the distance at which the bullet falls 3 inches below the line of sight. Thus between the muzzle and the distance given as the MPBR, the bullet never strays more than 3 inches above or below the line of sight.
7mm-08: 285 yds. 7mmMag: 305 yds. Hardly a difference and a lot less kick!
I've owned both, and have killed elk, mulies, and lopes with both.
But like you said, "something in between". I also know a guy who's whole family shoots it since they came out, and have taken Moose with it.
Don't be afraid of the 7mm-08.