Hi zrexpilot,

I agree that most of us like to have "the best". But newest, fastest, doesn't always mean the best. There is nothing wrong with wanting a new gun (in a caliber) just for the sake of wanting something different. I do it myself all the time. But the truth of the matter is for the vast majority of the hunting most of us do.....there isn't squat for difference between any of two or three dozens of cartridges....when they hit game!

I enjoy shooting a variety of guns....and have a large variety. They are all fun in there own way. But I can't tell you how many people I have seen that have difficulty shooting even a .30-06 "really well"....only to have them turn around and go purchase something BIGGER. Many people would be better served if they picked a cartridge "just big enough" to get the job done...and spent some time, money, and practice learning to shoot it! A "sufficient" bullet through the lungs will accomplish much more than a "monstrous" bullet through the intestines. And it does indeed boil down exactly like that all too often!

Someone hits their deer poorly with their .30-06 and it doesn't kill well. Next time you see them at the range they have a .300 Magnum (and the newer, larger, ones as well). And of course they sit at the bench to zero their rifle and proceed to flinch, wince, and jerk a half of box down range....pack it up..."that's good enough" and off to the woods on opening day. Next time you see them talking about some new .338 or .375 Ultra T-Rex slayer that they're planning on getting next. Most of them would be better off with a .257 Roberts that they actually can shoot.

But, it is after all.....all about fun and games! And as long as they aren't needlessly wounding and losing game....have at it!

(Before I get inundated....if you have a magnum, any magnum.....and can shoot it. Please by all means use it!)

P.S. And yes...I have, shoot, and hunt with magnums sometimes too!