The question about the intended use was never answered. That makes me wonder why the OP thinks he needs a shoulder/pocketbook wrecker.
I started off with 7 mags for years-which I really like for hunting elk. I have more and more gone back toward milder calibers for deer and antelope, but still like my 7 mags for shooting elk at the almost standard 300-yard plus ranges that my Wyoming hunts have offered me. My 7 mags are not prohibitive with recoil, or reloading costs. I don't just go out and shoot them a whole bunch, though.
For smaller critters and just fun, I have gone to my .308s and a superb .260 to take care of business.
I agree that you should try to get closer, but anybody that thinks you can always get within 300 yards, has not hunted the open hills of Wyoming very much.