OK, so I've narrowed it down a little. If you had not read my first thread on this, I want to buy a new barrel for my NEF survivor. I'd like a good centerfire caliber for white tail through elk, and for fun at the shooting range as well.

I've narrowed the caliber choices down to .308 and .280. Here are the specific barrels from NEF:

.308
-Standard 22" -- $82.00
-Bull barrel 22" -- $93.00

.280
--Standard 26" -- $100.00

The .308 is just fine for what I want, plus it's famous for it's accuracy. I know a lot of factors go into how accurate a rifle will be, but .308 has such a great reputation for accuracy, I think that's a plus. Not to mention the fact that ammo is available all over the place.

I've researched on some NEF message boards about the .280. Overall, people LOVE that barrel. It doesn't throw as heavy lead as an 06 or even .308, but it's still good medicine for game up to elk. The big plus for this barrel (to me) is it's length. Folks say that the extra length brings performance up near 7mm mag. levels.

I don't reload, but from what I've researched, there are a lot of good factory loads in 139, 140, and 150 grain bullets for the .280.

Finally, there is quite a debate about the .270 vs. .280. To me, I'd rather be a little different -- not to mention tha the .280 is the flattest shooting round, and again, the NEF has the extra long barrel for the .280...

Any other comments to help ma decide? This shouldn't seem like a really big decision, but I only want to send my rifle back to NEF once, so I want to get it right.

eto, from what Ive read above, Id say go with the 280 26" barrel. You should be able to get good velocity and Elk wouldnt be a problem, as long as you choose the right bullet. I think Federal loads the accubond for 280 that would be an awesome round for deer and elk.