I am an advocate of smaller bullets, high velocities, low recoil, and accuracy. I LOVE the 25-06, and have killed moose, and bison with it. The 243 Win is very capable too. It's all about accuracy, and bullet placement. Get a gun that you are comfortable shooting with, and shoot it often. That builds confidence, and familiarity. The Tikka T3 Lite, is an amazing rifle, for the dollar. I have owned two, with incredible success.