Originally Posted by Murdy

30-06 is also a bit cheaper to shoot than the magnums. You mentioned going with 2 entry level guns. That might not be a bad idea, but if you want to "hunt everything I can eat at some point," I would not split hairs over the rifle, and instead get a rifle and a shotgun, which would give you a lot more versatility. And don't forget to include a good scope in that budget.