What Caliber for My Next Rifle?
#21
#23
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Westchester County,NY
Posts: 223
Sheridan... You get my point exactly. I wasn't sure where the 7mm fit it, but it seems it overlaps too much with the .308. I am looking for a caliber that covers the next larger set of game animals.
#26
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Westchester County,NY
Posts: 223
Ultitmately, the consensus seems to be that the .308 Win has me covered thru to elk/moose. The real question is do I forsee being in a position where I might need to shoot at one of the big bears. I'd hate to be undergunned in such a circumstance.
Since in the foreseable future elk/moose would be of the "Eastern US" variety, I may not need to "buck out" for a new rifle afterall.
Now what am I going to do with the money burning a hole in my pocket????? LOL!
Since in the foreseable future elk/moose would be of the "Eastern US" variety, I may not need to "buck out" for a new rifle afterall.
Now what am I going to do with the money burning a hole in my pocket????? LOL!
#27
#29
Agree your .308 will likely handle most everything you'll realistically ever hunt. If you wanted to truly step up, something like a .338 WM would be a good choice. Others have mentioned some good options also.
If the odds are you'll never hunt something you'll need that for, I'd probably save my $. Those big magnums aren't something you typically go out and shoot just for fun.
If the odds are you'll never hunt something you'll need that for, I'd probably save my $. Those big magnums aren't something you typically go out and shoot just for fun.
#30
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Wichita Kansas USA
Posts: 699
I am going brown bear hunting next spring and my guide highly recommended the 338WM. He has a 375 H&H that he is going to let me use so I am glad to see the comments about it not rocking you as bad as I had thought. I am in the process of purchasing the 338WM as I did shoot an elk last year, a moose this year and another elk this year with my 7mag and in each case the animal got up from what appeared to be a deadly shot to the boiler house. I don't believe any of them would have gotten away but all 3 received a finishing shot. Consequently I have decided to step up to something that packs a little more. My elk outfitter this year recommended the 338WM which is what he uses and each of his guides as well as each of the other guys in camp were shooting 300WM or the 300WUM. I am sure any of those would do the job. My bear guide does not like the 300 as he has had bears lost with this caliber. They will all do the job if shot placement is good.