Shooting is a physiological thing, meaning a good deal of it is in your mind, and the ability to negate a large amount of recoil is not all that easy. Buck fever (jerking a rifle due to anxiousness) is a big deal to overcome as well, so the first time you hunt something you are much more prone to make a mistake.
Mistakes on dangerous game are always problematic…. So you are much better using a 30-06 with a super penetrating bullet than going with a magnum.
IIRC Phil said he recommends 06 for bear…. And I understand why.
