I had a similar dilemna in '95 when trying to decide what gun to buy. I wanted a model 70 classic, in stainless, but didnt know if I wanted the 7mm rem mag, or the 300 win mag. Also was worried about the recoil. The gunshop only had the 7mm, so I took it home. Since then, she is on her second scope, and took off the synthetic stock, and added wood to her. Do I wish I bought a 300 sometimes? Sure. I can tell you this though, she has never let me down, and has dropped a few deer in her time. For me, the 300 would of been too big a jump from a 30/30. Either the 300, or 7mm, would work for anything in the lower 48. Ive shot both now, and like both equally. If you feel you may be a tad tender towards recoil, go with the 7mm. If you can handle magnum recoil and shoot accurately, then go with whatever floats your boat. If alaska is in your eyes, get the 7mm, and look to buy a 338 later. One never has too many guns. Lastly, convince the wife you need a 7mm, 300, and 338!