I have been kept awake at night thinking the same question. I am about to get a " real" deer, etc. rifle and the question of calibers was also a sticking point for me. I am also settling down to the 30.06.

The 7mm and 300 mags have nice flat trajectories and good energy left over beyond 300 yards, but that is a pretty rare shot in the field. Also, the number of loadings available is tremedous from lightweight rounds for smaller game through 220 grain bruisers you can get anything for it.

And, to top it all off, you can walk into any place that sells almost any kind of ammo almost anywhere in the world and they will sell you a box. Competition keeps the price low, so there is no excuse not to practice.

Later, if I want to start shooting things 500 yards away or taking down full size bull moose, I can find another gun.

Chubber