Bullet weight should be the factor used to select a caliber. The most efficient bullets are the heaviest that can be fired at high velocity (at least 2,800 fps) for that caliber. Smaller bores have the advantage at long range with 175-200 gr. bullets and usually less recoil. Larger bores have the advantage in close with bigger bullets (210-250 grs.) and usually more recoil.

The power of the 300 Wea, 8mm Mag, and 338 Win is unnecessary for most hunting. I've used a 7mm Mag with 175 gr. Nosler Partitions for more than twenty years with good success near and far. This year I used the Fail-Safe 160 gr. bullets, whose lower ballistic coefficient trades external ballistic efficiency for optimum terminal ballistic performance. I believe most situations require no more than a good 180 grain bullet from the 30-06 at about 2,800 fps. (this would be a handload). An alternative to these cartridges for hunting heavy timber is the modern 45-70. I load my Browning 1886 to energy levels equivalent to the 7mm Mag by using Hornady's 350 grain round-nose bullets at 2,050 fps.

Hunters who choose the magnums will pay the price (in dollars, weight, and recoil), but they will have the optimum in bullet performance with flat trajectories, high velocities, and maximum retained killing power at long range. But remember, these advantages can only be realized by shooters who can hit their mark.