Well I will answer your question, and not try to pursuade you to chose another caliber. Yes the 25-06 is a great round, yes it will do all that you want, It has mild recoil, so shooting all day is a breeze, and like North Texan said, there is a wide variety of ammuntion readily available from 85 grs up to 120's. I have over the past year gained so much respect for the 25-06, I shoot 85 grn Nosler Bt's in the spring for hogs, and 115 Bt's in the fall for deer. Or you could do what my friend does, and shoot 100 grs all year round. Good luck