ORIGINAL: crump116
I have decided to go with the savage 110, but not too sure on what caliber. I will be deer hunting and varmit hunting. Maybe black bear. Most of my shots will be from 100 to 200 yards. Occasionally 300 and 400yds. I am looking for a caliber that is very accurate. I have thought about the .308, but not sure. Any suggestions?
crump116,
Forget the 243Win. It's an excellent varmint cartridge, and will pass for some for deer hunting if shots are kept within a couple hundred yards.
There are far, far better cartridges for use on black bear. Hell, IMO it should be illegal to hunt bear with this cartridge.
I don't know where you're at, but just for some interesting reading I'd suggest you look at the information on bear hunting on the PA. Hunters forum. The largest dressed weight black bear taken this year was a 747 pound male. There were several others going well over 600 lbs.
One poor fellow took on a large bear with his 444Marlin, and got bit a couple times for his trouble before the bear expired. If you want to go after a bear with a 243Win., please, be my guest. Just do me a favor and name me in your will. I'll be laughing all the way to the bank!
Link:
http://www.huntingpa.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/Cat/0
For what you want I'd seriously look into a 270Win. (minimum, but better suited to both deer & varmints), the 280Rem., 7mmRem.Mag., 308Win., or
30-06. If you really anticipate shooting over 300yds., then the 7mm Remington Magnum is probably the best bet.