Hey everybody, I am new to this forum and am looking into getting my own first deer rifle. I have shot many calibers, and when hunting before I have had to free load and borrow either a .243 rifle or a .444 marlin from a friend. I have narrowed my search down to a few calibers during my search. I have fired and like the .30-.06, but I have yet to find a rifle that is both affordable and reliable. My father has a Remington 770, and I feel like its light weight makes it kick a little more than that cartridge is worth. I have fired and am VERY fond of the .300 Win Mag, but again I see myself having to shell out a lot of cash for a rifle that fires that cartridge and has something to compensate for that recoil. I also enjoy the 7mm Rem Mag, but I am a little concerned about its availability as far as ammunition goes. Lastly, while it is not my first choice, I have heard good things about .308 cartridges. I am not a little guy who can't handle the recoil, but I do in fact not believe that excessive recoil is necessary simply because a gun is light. Any wisdom from a more seasoned hunter who can inform me about muzzle breaks for light guns and simply throw a suggestion out there on the calibers/rifles i mentioned would be infinitely appreciated. Thank you very much, and hope to hear from you guys soon.
-Jake
-Jake