I got it because I mostly elk hunt these days and shoot incidental deer or bear that show up while hunting elk. So I got an elk caliber. My Ruger was .270 and I killed every elk I shot with it. Yes, it kicks harder, and you really don't need it, even for elk. I think I mostly just wanted to try something new. I've only used 3 deer/elk type rifles in my life. I started with a bolt action 30/30 my dad owned, got the .270 when I was mostly hunting deer (well, was hunting elk, just not seeing any) then got the .300 WSM after we were having solid success on elk.
So, no, living in the east I wouldn't bother with it, no need for it.