RE: BLR Caliber
I own a BLR in .308 and it was my primary hunting rifle for years. I used it for everything including moose and elk. Have made my longest shot to date with it, 250yds on a nice WT. Only ever passed on one shot because of range and that was 425yds on a B&C WT. I shoot both the 270WSM and 325WSM now, both in bolt guns with 24" barrels. Not sure of the barrel length on the BLR in the short mags, but unless it was at least 22" I probably wouldn't bother, more recoil and muzzle blast and not enough barrel to generate the speed to make it worthwhile. Since I prefer the short action BLRs ove the long action versions (balance and handling) I would stick with the .308 and have at it with either 150gr or 165gr premium bullets.