RE: best deer gun ?
While we are at it I have a question for you number crunchers. I'm looking to buy a new rifle myself. Right now I have a Win. Model 96 30-30 that was given to me by my Grandfather when I graduated from high school 20 years ago. I love the gun for obvious reasons but I can't do a top mount scope on it and would like to get a scope mounted gun. Most of what I do is short range stuff, < 100 yards, although 150-200 yard shots are possible in the rare instance. I want a good bolt action that will be able to go up to elk (since they are now legal game in western VA) without abusing my shoulder and has readily available OTC ammo in a range of loads. I was thinking about a Rem. 700 BDL SS in 30.06 since that caliber has a huge range of loads and can get 'er done. I saw someone mention .270 on elk earlier, I think. Is that a sufficient (meaning with overkill power) gun for elk?