Good overall large game caliber?

[Lordgunner]

Alright I'm looking at getting a rifle that I would presumably use out west for mule deer, elk, and hopefully a moose someday. So the two biggest necessities of this rifle would be flat shooting and sufficient power.

I've done such research on different calibers and have basically narrowed down my search to 3 options. 270 wsm, 7mm Rem Mag, and the 300 wsm.

A couple side notes: as of right now I don't reload my own ammo, but those 3 calibers are fairly common. Also, I'm about 200 lbs and have quite a bit of experience with shooting so recoil isn't a huge deal, but I would like a rifle that I could shoot a decent amount at the range and not feel like hell.

[nchawkeye]

30-06 is all you need...Those other rifles are too heavy and long of barrel for a good all week carry gun...

[salukipv1]

For Elk-Brown Bears, I'd say a .338mag, ideally the .340 Weatherby.

Of those 3, personally I'd pick either of the WSM's, and because you're talking moose, elk, big game...I'd lean towards the .300wsm

The 270wsm and 7mm RM IMO are kinda the same cartridge, compare velocities/energies I think the 270wsm may even get the edge in velocity, if not they're very close.

I think my debate would be which one of the following...?
.300wsm
.300win.mag.
.338win.mag
.340wby. (225gr.TTSX@3100fps, BC= .514, SD=.281) and shoots as flat as a .270
the .340saying should be..."shoots as flat as a .270, hits as hard as a .375H&H"

*btw any of these 4 would get the job done well!

[Sheridan]

Your reseach is the best answer for you and your choice !

Use other's opinions as just that - opinions........................

When I wanted a rifle to fit those needs; I brought a Sako A7 Stainless in 7MM Rem. Mag.

http://www.berettausa.com/products/a7-st-stainless/


A classic saying for the 7MM RM is;

Shoots as flat as a .270, and hits as hard as a .30-06.


If you're including brown bears, then that's why I brought a .338 WM also !

http://www.browning.com/products/cat...35&type_id=202



It's your decision................... get what you want and never look back.

[skb2706]

Originally Posted by nchawkeye

30-06 is all you need...Those other rifles are too heavy and long of barrel for a good all week carry gun...

That not only makes no sense its not accurate either.

[Big Z]

I'll 2nd SKB.

I don't plan on ever gunning anything .277 when 7mm/.284s suit my fancy so much more.......

[podunk kennels]

[Sniper151]

7mm Rem. Mag

[Switchback_XT]

The Short Mags are really nice. They fit in short .308 length actions. They develop full power with just a 24" barrel and they really shine in auto loaders. I really like Browning's B.A.R. and .300 WSM will kill the heck out of a buck.

[Game Stalker]

7mm RM.
This round has been around longer than the other 2.It has a greater selection of (premium) bullets for elk and moose.Prices are very reasonable because loads for it are commonplace.A 175 gr. load at a sectional density of .310 will handle your needs easily.Simple choice!