It really depends on what you will be hunting with it. I love my 7mm rem mag, but the mags will be quite a bit rougher on your shoulder than some of the smaller cailbers. I just read a review of the .308 and it sounds like a great, dependable round. (the review was in "Hunting Illustrated") I just picked up a .243 for coyotes up to antelope and (mule deer under 300 yds)