[8D] I have used both Magnum and non-Magnum cartridge rifles for years. What I don't understand is why cartridges like the .376 Steyr and .338-06 are not more popular. Yes the Magnums will shoot farther but at the cost of a lot more recoil and muzzle blast. Lets face the fact that most hunters can not shoot well enough to hit much past 200 yrds. and that is where the Magnums start to make much of a difference.

If I could order my perfect rifle for the hunting I do now it would be a Remington 7600 either stainless or rust proofed chambered for .338-06 or .376 Steyr (basically a turbo .375-06) with a squared 20 inch medium heavy barrel on a squared action. I like big holes for those times one needs to track; eyes are not what they used to be. The pump for fast follow up shots especially on a bear headed my way. Only an auto is faster but I don't trust an auto enough under adverse conditions. The .338-06 would be a better allround choice as it offers bullets from 180 gr. to 300 gr. in premium controled expansion bullets like Nosler, Swift, Barnes X and Tripple Shock.

I have used up to a .375 H&H custom bolt action but for closer work like I enjoy now I would like to see a descent fast handling power house. For me all these ultra high velocity
cartridges offer nothing. Hunting something that can hunt you back I want controled thump. Think a black bear is easy prey? I had a friend in Colorado who (unfortunately not a hunter) was killed and eaten by a black bear; only the second person in the history of Colorado but of little help when you are on the wrong end of claws and teeth.

Magnums have there place. Unfortunely to many people show up in the woods way over gunned for their shooting ability. That .30-06 did not drop that deer so next year they show up with a .30 Magnum of one sort or another. Of course if they could not shoot an 06 well enough what do you think the close your eyes and brace yourself for the recoil crowd can do with a Magnum? It is still more important where you hit than what you shoot but as I said I like Big holes.