When you say larger, it sortof makes me ask:"larger than what?" as far as a rifle that can easily take down a whitetail, or a mule deer...I would have to say 30-06. It is an excellent all-around caliber...you can hunt antelope to elk with it, depending upon what load you chamber in it. I used to have a 7mm mauser that would hit the gong at 1000 yds everytime with open sights(2'x2' square steel plate) that was fun to shoot, but it hurt like a B**** after the third or fourth round, the recoil was tremendous. I never took that gun hunting, because I was always afraid the fear of the recoil would make me flinch right before I fired at an animal...funny, I never actually flinched like that at the range..For all around hunting of big game..I would say 30-06...except for moose, and bear...I'd go larger for these animals. Good-Luck.