[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Elk & Bear rifle
 

Robert - If you will handload, don't count out the 8x57mm Mauser. Lots of cheap factory ammo for practice, and 200gr or 220gr bullets should knock the tar out of what you're after at those ranges.

Of the ones you mention, I like the .338-06. Hits like a ton of bricks.

Also, I really wouldn't be surprised if Winchester came out with a .338 WSM real soon. Medium magnum performance in a short case may be exactly what you're after.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

RE: Elk & Bear rifle
 

...between the 35 Whelen, and the 350 Rem mag, I'd go for the Whelen. Brass is everywhere ( '06, 270, 280, etc..) and does not have a belt on it... The difference in a long and short action is minimal.. I'll bet most people can't tell the difference. Also, I think with the 350 mag, if you load heavier bullets, they tend to encroach on your powder capacity. I could be wrong about this, but I think I have read people complaining about it. The Whelen (I have one) is just a dandy cartridge. I shoot a 225gr bullet at about 2700fps, and the recoil isn't as bad as I thought it would be. More than an '06, less than a .338 Win mag...
Ballistically, I think it's a dead heat between the 338-06 and the 35 Whelen... but I just like the extra 20thousandths of diameter... bigger is better. Actually the 375 Hawk/Scovill might be the perfect big game round out to 200yds.... I'm tempted to try one of those.... and I do have a couple of extra mauser actions sitting around... hmmm

"Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness..those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Santayana

RE: Elk & Bear rifle
 

Now that Remington has dug up the .350 Rem. Mag., (and P.T. Barnum as well, just look at the ugly beast they are going to chamber it in), you will soon have a third choice available to make your pick more complicated. I understand their new .350 load will use the 225 Nosler partition bullet!!

Keep yore powder dry!!

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Elk & Bear rifle
 

Robert - otis is right. The BLR 81 in .358 Win would be about perfect for your needs. With the 225 Partition or A-Frame bullet, or especially the 250gr A-Frame bullet, you will hammer the game you describe at the distances you anticipate. <img src=icon_smile_dead.gif border=0 align=middle>

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Elk & Bear rifle
 

robert scott...

i think almost any caliber that is over 150gr's with a good premium bullet will do the trick to your distance you posted.
from what i have read. the only thing the 338-06 has over the 35whelen is that it is better over 200yds for long range shooting anf that it has better S.D.
i would pick the 35whelen just becuase i like the 35calibers.