EKM

Never mind factory ballistics (marketing) stats.
Reloading shows the potential, especially with a not-scared-of-attorneys outfit like Barnes,
Barnes 3 in each case the fastest, best accuracy loadings, no coated bullets.

Since anything will whack a deer, lets move up more true "big game" (elk, et al) bullets:

.308 caliber - 180 grain

308Win
2598 fps

3006
2733 fps

300WSM
2987 fps

300WinMag
2986 fps

300Weatherby
3117 fps

300RUM
3359 fps

30-06 trumps the 308 relatively easily.
300WinMag and 300 WSM are a draw at 180 grain
If I'm going for a strong cartridge (leaving out the word "magnum") aftermoving up from thevenerable 30-06, thenI'd jump up a full notch past both of them though....

300RUM would be my choice in the .308 realm and just load it down as necessary
I notice Remington is offering three loadings for it:
(1) Emulate a 30-06
(2) Emulate a 300WinMag/300WSM
(3) Regular Strength300RUM
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No Barnes data for the 325WSM versus the 8mmRemMag, so no data/opinions there.

Overall, I'd still take the 338WinMag over the 325 WSM, but at least the guy isn't going witha "just-get-by" caliber for the game he listed, so I gotta commend him for that.

smokepolehall

Its all about bullet placement! Figure all the paper data you want. Pick a rifle and cal. you like and shoot it. My big game go to rifle for all North American game is sporterized Swedish Mauser model 96 in the 6.5x55 and the right bullet for the job![8D]

EKM

First, we have....

Then, we have....
Ah, so this "All North American game;" what all rifle hunting does that include?(Just curious having read your posts about the deer clubs, the high cost of huntingand such, and the crossbows) and why "358 up" on one post and then "358 down" on the next?

Hitting them just right is always a plus, but is only guaranteed to occur100% of the time in the "internet world."

BTW, the stats were printed inline withsome of the posts on the previous page addressing long vs. short cartridges and their ballistic performance.

smokepolehall

The original poster asked what big bores. I answered with a decent cal. choice. I have owned and shot Rem. 7mm mag. Win. 300 mag. and the Win.338 mag. Yes i use the 6.5x55mm and think its great. Have sold those mag.s lot of recoil and i seldom shoot any game over 300 yds. Yes i hunt with an Excal CB, so? Evidently you have taken an issue with my posts. Is there a problem, i don't recall giving any poor advice![]

Dcnoble_07

Again I appreciate everyone's help and opinon. I am going to go out a buy a Savage .325WSM.Everything I've heardsaid theywereextremely accurate. Thank you for all your help, I'll keep everyone posted on how well everything goes.

EKM

Ah, just any time I see such a quick and broad brush stroke response to a fairly specific (and not so simple) question regarding Big Game Hunting I am a bit prone to probe it a bit.
================================================== =

The Thread:
The original poster asked about knock down power for a given game set (not big bores).

Advice:
Not poor advice, just inconsistent(I just asked about a clarification ofthe 358 switch -- no answer).

The Game Set:
Game hunted with recommended cartridges, versus the given game set originally posted.... unknown (seems relevant, just a curious inquiry-- no answer).

smokepolehall

Well excuse me. Your right about not saying big bores and just asking of good cal. The post under started off with a .338. Now the .358 is a great cal. for all he said he would hunt. He might feel better with a rifle that put out 250 gr. bullets. As for me i just toldhim what i hunted with, 6.5x55mm. I don't feel abit under gunned. Well my Pa used it on kodiak Alaska in 48 and harvested big brown bear. So if he did that then i know it will do the same for me. I have taken hogs and deer with it, i may get out west to hunt someday and get to use it. I mostly hunt with my CB. So you went and checked up on all my posts, i am flattered. Have a good day.

StillHunter90

I feel the love on this topic lol. Gotta love the debates. Besides entertaining its a good way to learn some new stuff with everything thats posted to make points. Now this is how a topic should be.I know Ive learned a few new things about calibers I wasnt so sure about. Thanks for all the info.

James B

It does not matter what you shoot if you can't place the bullet well. A gut shot critter with a 460 Weatherby or a 30-30 is going to go a long ways and die a slow death. I am not in the one rifle for everything camp. However learn to shoot which ever rifle you choose and chances are you will do well. I can get by very well with a 6.5x55, 270, 280 or 30-06 and a 45-70. Throw in a 223 for varmints and a 44 Mag for hiking in the wild and you are set. For over the pond, add the 416 Rem Mag.

bawanajim

One of the best caliber that is so often left out is the great 264 Winchester magnum.
Loaded with a 100 Gr. nosler ballistic tip you can easily get 3600 F.P.S. and thats hard to beat for varmints.
Then go to the 125 Gr. for deer & antelope size game & jump to the 140 nosler partition for elk and you have a very flat shooting hard hitting rifle with very little recoil.

Nuf said..............