Thanks for all of the great advice. I think that I am leaning toward the 30-06 at this point. I would like to try hand loading ammo some day and it seems that there are a ton of 30-06 options out there (not that 7mm RM does not).

Colorado Bob, thanks for the advice on cardio conditioning. I had a job as the maintainance man at a ski lodge in Taos, NM when is was in my early 20's, had more hair, and a slimmer waste, and it damn near killed me until I got acclimatized.

As far as optics go, I received about $700.00 worth of gift certificates from Cabella's from my old job and cashed them on a 3.5x10x50 Khales with the TDS reticle this year. Man what a difference from the 80.00 dollars Thompson I had on my .243 Ruger.

The great thing about shooting in general, is that room can always be made in the gun safe for just one more rifle, right? If all goes well, and the gods smile favorablely on me, I will be able to post a picture of a noble Wapati next year.

Lastly, this forum has been a great source of information and a real joy to read. The generousity of those of you that share your hard earned experience is not lost on neophytes like me. I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year.

Sincerely,

OUrabmen

GO SOONERS!