Hi ir655,

The .25-06 is a very good caliber. Recoil will be considerably less than your current 7mm Magnum. The .25-06 can be used for long range varminting but is best as a medium game (ie. deer, antelope, etc) cartridge. Like your 7mm the .25-06 does best with 24" or longer barrel. So you won' t gain much in " handiness" but it can weigh a little less, and will kick less.

As long as you are considering something to be different from you 7mm Magnum without " so much overlap" maybe consider one of the smaller quarter bores, (like the .257 Roberts). Or even drop to one of the 6mm' s. The sixes make much better varminters and can be stretched to cover deer. But as long as you already have the 7 Mag., you have medium game covered. If you are looking for something new and different.....how about the .243 WSSM?

Just a couple of thoughts!

Good luck with your decision.