I own a 30-06, 308 and 25-06. Out of the three, the 25-06 is my favorite deer round. It doesn't kick at all that I can notice, it is not as loud as the others (26 inch ultra barrel, handirifle) and it is not too long because no receiver (same length as my .308 with 22 inch barrel. Part of it is the set up of the gun, long barrel, barrel heavy, but 25-06 with 117s is sweet for whitetails. Interestingly enough, I double checked the regs and ANY centerfire rifle is legal in WV. Even .223 and even .22 hornet. I guess even .17 centerfire is legal, rimfire has to be at least .25 cal according to the regs.