tacogrande

If you are serious about elk and moose I would go with a 300 mag. Short mag or win mag is up to you. A heavy gun will not kick near as bad and is more stable to shoot as well. I use a remington sendero in an ultramag and recoil is less thenall other ultra mags I have shot. A 7 mag would also be a good all around choice for deer elk and moose. A 30-06 is nice to certain distances and then the mags take over. Have you thought of a muzzle brake as well. They reduce recoil but can hurt your ears. I guess you have all kinds of things to decide.
Just my 2 cents

seattlesetters

Here's an idea: Go with a .260 Rem or 7mm-08 Rem for the deer rifle and a .338 Federal for the heavier work.

When you get into hand loading, all your rifles can use the same brass...including your son's .243! All are based on the .308, so simply resizing is a snap.

You will find all three of those rounds are supremely versatile and will take any game you wish to pursue...and they won't kick very hard.

younggun308

You forgot to mention the .308, it's a great round, just stay away from the ballistic tips, I couldn't find a doe that I'd shot with the ballistic tips, because there was no exit hole, so the blood trail gave out.

And when you're hunting big game, you'll want an exit hole.

higgins163

there are several good calibers, i shoot a 7mm rem mag browning abolt with the boss system. my wife can shoot that gun because the brake makes all the diff. and no she is only 110lbs. take ear plugs because it is hella loud.