If you are looking for 1 cartridge to cover "all" North American game 338wm would be my first choice, followed by any of the 300 magnums. I have in the cupboard right now 1- 338, 3 different 300 magnums. With proper firearm fit and good recoil pads all are tolerable to shoot. But they are all in the 8 1/2 - 9 lb range as well w/ scope and loaded magazine , sling etc. The beauty of becoming a hunter and to some degree a gun nut is the choices available . All calibers are usefull for specific tasks, and a few can multi task very well. To all first gun buyers.... stick with conventional chamberings (7-08 through 30-06). Leave the magnum chambering for your next firearm until you are proficient with a non magnum round. JMO
