John G.:

Thanks for your input. I can see that I left the impression that I was expecting him to take 300 yd. shots right out of the box, but that's not the case. As you said, I'm thinking ahead. I just want something that he can when he is 13 or 14 for whitetail and elk that he will have confidence in the rest of his life. If he's still using the .308 when he's on his own, and thinks he can make a kill at 300 yds, and wants to hunt where that is a possibility, I don't want him to have buy a new rifle. This past year, I set him uo in spots where he wouldn' have a shot farther than 50 yds, and most would be within 30. Next year he might get a little more range, but I'll probably put him in the same place. I'm not going to set him up on a stand where he would be tempted to go beyond 100 yds for a couple of years. I agree with your kill, noy hurt philosophy. That's why I like the bigger calibers. My new rifle is a .300 WSM. Some people say that's too much gun for whitetail. I killed two this year with it - one dropeed in its tracks (shot it inthe neck, and it almost took its head clean off - really) and the other ran about 20 yds, dropped, and kicked the life out of itself. Didn't ruin any meat, and very quick kills from the newer caliber. I'd rather risk losing a little meat, and have a quicker kill. I know, placement is the most important thing. No argument. But the right placement with a bigger thump can mean qicker death, and less suffering for the animal. That old .35 Rem. has taken a lot of deer, but it has never made the shattering wounds the .300 WSM made on thosed two this year. Gettin off track, but I truly appreciate your comments John G., and everyone else who answered. I think we're going to start looking for a .308 for Little Booche's. Anybody got a good deal on one?