7mm-08 for elk.
I'm looking for a new elk rifle (I already have a Browning BAR 30-06, a Savage 300 win mag, and a Marlin 30-30). The Ruger Compact has caught my eye as it is light and short. I enjoy walking on hunts, but carrying my larger rifles has become harder with my age and lingering issues from old injuries. I'm looking for something short and light, but with a longer range than my old 30-30 lever. I mostly hunt the coast range of Oregon, or the southern Cascades.
Anyway, the Ruger comes in 7mm-08 and .308. I am leaning toward the 7mm-08, but am not really sure if either will do the job at 200 yards or so. (I have not really had to shoot an Elk much farther than that). The rifle would also be used for deer and maybe bear (although I really only go after bear to get out of the house, and the 30-30 does well for that).
Thoughts? Does the 7mm-08 got what is needed? Should I just stick with the 30-30 for short and light?
Thanks