I can see where you are coming from. I felt the same way for a long time. One of the reasons I like the 260 so well is how well it mimics trajectory of the 300 WM. Higher BC also plays a roll for me, however, I say shoot what you are comfortable shooting.

If you are able to shoot a 460 Weatherby comfortably, and not flinch, but all means do so. 300 Win Mag is about my threshold for pain when it comes to recoil, and after shooting it a bit, I can manage it, however, it is not necessary, nor IMO recommendable for a beginner hunter to go out and get the biggest baddest gun he can find so he can show how large his huevos are.

There's a 243 in the safe that doesn't get used, it keeps the 300 WM company. YMMV, but from what I have seen out of a 260, it is going to be my "go to" for a long long time.

My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog already thinks I am.

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. - Albert Einstein