I'd 7mm Rem Mag in a Remington 700 or Savage. I wouldn't wanna bull barrel to go after, oh I dunno, anything.

I like a 308 myself. A 3006 or 300 all will get the job done. As far as a rifle, Thompson Center Icon is awesome.

I have an Remington Model Seven 7mm08 and I LOOOVVVEEEE that gun. I can't speak for the others, though.

I'd say 30.06,270 or the 280!
The 30.06 is the most versatile.
And if you don't reload I'd stay away from the 280,there are more factory ammo choices for the 30.06 and the 270.
If your looking for a mag. I'd go with the 300win. I've always liked the ballistics of the 300.
As for brand the 700 BDL is a great rifle,and some may disagree but I'm rather partial to the Win. model 70's I have several, and all of them will shoot less then an inch at 100 yards!

I would go 308 or 30.06. I have both and would hunt anything in the lower 48 with either. If i was going after big bears that would be the only case in which i would get a .338 or something bigger (brown bear, etc..) I just don't see any reason to deal with the recoil of a 7mmmag or 300 for deer or black bear. Alot will depend on the rifle thou, recoil pad... But i tend to stay with a lighter rifle, bolt action Savage, Winchester M70, or Remy. I have found that my savage weather warrior in 308 to be my favorite rifle.

I've used a Ruger 270 for years. Great all around caliber. I bought a Browning xbolt stainless stalker in 300wm last year. Love the rubberized stock and the recoil pad is very good. Ammo can be fairly expensive for the 300wm if you do much shooting at the range. I bought an AR15 for plinking practice.

i just got a 270 bar safari i have shot a 30 06 and a 7mm out of the 06 and 7 i would go with the 7mm but i am headed out tomorrow to shoot a doe with a rifle for the first time in 5 years since i bow hunt so we will see how this 270 does

I bought a .300 Win Mag M77 Ruger 15 years ago based on your logic and have never regretted it. It is NOT too much gun.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g9.../deer/gun1.jpg