Got my answer to this years ago. I have a problem with recoil and heaviest rifle I'll shoot anymore is the 30-06 and don't do that a lot. It's my elk rifle. But found out my 6.5-06 kills elk just as dead as anything and just as quick. But my 6.5x55, probably the most under rated cartridge in the world is in the same class for me. Last year I added to my 6.5's with a 260 Rem, really nice to shoot. Got the 260 just to get a new rifle and all these 308 case's now haave a new home other than my 308. I could go with the 243 in fact I do have one but it does not inspire confidence in me for big game. have killed three deer with three shot's with a 243 but still leaves me wanting. Now to tell the truth, I think my 22 mag would make a great deer rifle. Next to no recoil, very accuratre and I'd simply need to learn to hunt better, maybe to within 100 or so yds max of a deer! Killing is not about how much recoil you can stand but how well you can shoot the rifle and if you can get into reasonable range for the cartridge your using! Alsso about learning the best shot's for a quick kill. Used ot drive interstate trucks for a living and surprising how many little out of the was slaughter houses used to ues a 22 LR to kill the cows! Last I heard when I was driving, and I've watched it, they were using stun guns to the head and mostly killed very well! Been a long time and don't know what they use now. I think the best answer for this is learn how to kill well then choose a cartridge that fit's in there.
