I agree with everything these guys are saying.... I'll just throw in my $.02 to say at least check out the 35 Whelen. I've been a hunterfor quite a number of years & if you're looking at deer/bear/elk/maybe moose it certainly does it all. Little less velocity/a little more mass. Shoots about as flat as a 30-06 and packs a lot more punch. Throw on a PAST recoil shield & recoil is no problem!