I was always a bowhunter and only used rifles for coyote hunting or for a late season doe. A Wyoming trip for antelope changed all that for me though. I use any weapon as I've found out I have fun regardless of which weapon I'm using (still nothing like putting an arrow through a big buck at 20 yards though).
After the Wyoming trip I decided to build a hunting rifle. I knew I wanted a 6.5 so my first thought was a .264 win mag. Then I thought .260, then the Creedmoor, then the 6.5X47, then the 6.5 SAUM. I ultimately decided in the 6.5 Creedmoor as I thought it was the best of all worlds. Speed, barrel life, component availability, magazine length restrictions. I also didn't start reloading until I was in the middle of buying all my components for the build so I know I would be able to buy factory ammo if I realized I didn't like reloading or if I sucked at it. I really enjoy the cartridge