Hello all. I want to start off saying that I am a new member to the forum. I have visited it many times in the past. Every time I do a search of try to get info on a gun/cartridge I end up on this forum. Figured it was time to join up.
So here is my Dilemma. I have always used the magnum cartridges for literally every thing. My dad was born and raised in brown bear, wolf, and Moose country, as was I for a while. Now we have relocated to Virginia and my 338 win mag is (I feel like) a huge overkill for these small deer and bear down here.
Bottom line is I really want a short action cartridge that isn't in the magnum family. For a light weight, compact package that I can pack anywhere for any length of time. I have never had any experience with any short action cartridge other than 300 wsm. I was really looking at 308 win or 7mm-08. I'm not how sure how either of them stack up and that's the only two I have looked at.
If anyone has any other suggestions on a particular caliber for my purpose, I am all ears. I also reload my own ammo. The gun I am looking into is the browning x bolt, 22" tube. Would again be open to suggestions on the rifle too.
Thank you all in advance and I apologize for such a long post.
So here is my Dilemma. I have always used the magnum cartridges for literally every thing. My dad was born and raised in brown bear, wolf, and Moose country, as was I for a while. Now we have relocated to Virginia and my 338 win mag is (I feel like) a huge overkill for these small deer and bear down here.
Bottom line is I really want a short action cartridge that isn't in the magnum family. For a light weight, compact package that I can pack anywhere for any length of time. I have never had any experience with any short action cartridge other than 300 wsm. I was really looking at 308 win or 7mm-08. I'm not how sure how either of them stack up and that's the only two I have looked at.
If anyone has any other suggestions on a particular caliber for my purpose, I am all ears. I also reload my own ammo. The gun I am looking into is the browning x bolt, 22" tube. Would again be open to suggestions on the rifle too.
Thank you all in advance and I apologize for such a long post.