I hunted with a 30-06 for years and the round speaks for itself. I switched to a 7mm-08 a while back and I love it. A little bit lighter gun with lighter recoil and just as kick a$$ on deer (at the ranges I hunt anyway) So far the longest shot I have taken with it was on opening day this year, at about 200 yrds. and it was no problem. The deer pretty much went nowhere. Only draw back I can think of is ammo can be a little pricey and hard to find unless, of course you reload,