Should whitetail be your primary concern with an occasional black bear, mule deer and antelope hunt possible, I would have no qualms about the 7-08 for it all. I've killed my share of deer and black bear with almost any cartridge you can name over the years, and have settled on the 7-08 to do it all anymore. I would, however, want something a little larger for elk and griz. That's why I keep the .338 Win Mag tuned up.