7mm-08 Rem is probably on of the best deer cartridges around. Great ballistics and mild recoil. You also have the added bonus of a wide variety of 7mm bullets to choose from if you reload. I have a Remington 788 chambered in 7mm-08 and it is going to be my go-to gun this year instead of my usual 300 Win Mag. Texasducks, if you aren't too far from Bossier City, LA I would be happy to let you shoot my 7mm-08. Might help you decide if recoil will be acceptable. Have you thought much on the 260 Rem? Looks promising as a deer cartridge for the recoil shy with more pop than the 243 Win.