ORIGINAL: Raptor 1
Hi, I am posting this for a friend. He is in the market for a new rifle that will be used for out west hunting, say Elk, Mulies, and maybe Moose of Big bears. He wants to purchase one rifle to handle these tasks. First question, what caliber should he purchase, and what rifle. He doesn’t reload. He’s a large guy, and can handle recoil very well. He currently has a 30-06 that he uses for Pa deer hunting. He would like to be able to hold dead on out to 300 yards to take the guess work out of aiming. I know this is the best forum out here to get good proven answers. Please help. I will print the results for him to help in making his decision...
R1
Well, as noted by JamesB, I might have suggested he stay with what he knows, his 30-06. Or, maybe, go to a 7mm Rem.Mag. BUT, you're including "Big bears" complicates matters some. In light of this I'd have to recommend no less than a 338Win.Mag. using 250gr. bullets. You won't get the trajectory you wanted, but then you won't have to hold over too much either. And, you won't be "overgunned" for mulies, elk & moose either.
As to the rifle, I'm partial to wood stocks, but for an allround and tougher rifle I'd look for a stainless steel rifle with synthetic stock. Check out Ruger, Remington & Winchester. The cartridge and rifle are available from any one of the three. A little browsing of their websites or catalogs, and I'm sure your friend will find what interests him. Good luck.