Deerslayer the 7 will do all you want it to and then some. I use it for deer, elk and moose it hasn't let me down yet. In fact just weds. I said to my hunting partner after piling up a wt buck at 275 yards....man I don't know why I didn't buy this gun 10 years ago. I ooze confidence when I tote my 7 mag and figure if given a shot I will pull it off. I have taken 2 bull elk with it and worked as good as my 300 wby mag did. This fall I took a face on shot of 150 yards on a 5x5 bull placing the bullet in the left centre of the chest and exit out behind the right shoulder that elk still muster 75 yards but it was all down hill and laid down a paint of blood to follow(completely destroying his lungs). It has toppled 3 moose & many deer with ease. I certainly don't think it is required for deer but it sure works well and for my purposes it is a great choice. You should be very happy with the 7 for deer, elk and bear, just find the right bullet for the job that shoots the best and squeeze.