Lot of good info and comments here!! I have used a 280 Rem for everything from Coastal Blacktails to moose and black bears. With 140s it is deer dynamite and with 160s moose, elk and bear have a real hard time walking more than a few yards after being touched. Some have been taken out to 400 yds and ALL have been one-shotters. I have taken the time to get the broadside shot and it works best. Now - my personal experience with this caliber doesn't make it the best - it is just the one I shoot best! I can handle the recoil better than heavier magnums and in my Ruger rifle it is comfortable to pack and shoot.

Pick a rifle in one of these calibers that you shoot well. If it is a magnum use it! A lighter caliber that you shoot well?? Just get a premium bullet and use that! And always be aware of the legal minimum requirement for the area your hunting!! Don't show up with a 6mm when a 6.5mm is the minimum caliber allowed!! and always - Shoot Straight!!