Caliber suggestion?

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skywalkrNCSU

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I am looking to buy my first and likely last hunting rifle in the near future and could use some advice when it comes to caliber. I mainly plan on hunting white tail and axis deer in TX with the longest shot being perhaps 200 yards. However, I do have an itch to take a hunting trip for some elk or mule deer at some point in my life and want this rifle to be able to handle that. I have no clue what kind of range I would need on a hunting trip like that but I can't imagine taking a shot too much further than 350 yards.

So I know that there are tons of solid options out there but the one thing that I wanted to run by you more experience guys is if a .308 would be everything I need for this criteria. Reason being, I have an AR-10 and currently reload for .308 making it a great choice if appropriate. I know it is fine for taking down white tail/axis but I am rather ignorant when it comes to round performance for hunting so I was hoping to get a little advice to see if there is anything I am missing.
 
I was going to suggest .308 or .300wsm before reading the second paragraph. Seening as you're leaning that way, .308. It'll do what you want.
 
With good bullets and handloads a 308 is a 400 yard elk gun. A 30-06 or any of the 7mm or 300 magnums will add 50-150 yards to your effective range, if the shooter is good enough. Most are not. Since you already have an AR 10 it would simplify reloading.
 
I would vote for the .308 as well since you already reload for it. Plus it seemingly fits all of your needs!
 
If I had one do all rifle for the lower 48 I'd take a good bolt action .30-06 and never bat an eye.

There are many rounds that would do the job nicely. It will come down to your preference.
 
270 win. Perfect for most your work. Good for elk.

30.06 perfect for all your work.

Freaking 280. Cuz not everyone had one and its awesome.

308. Dead last on my list but ....it made my list as its almost as good as a 30.06
 
"likely last hunting rifle".....famous last words. That sounds like something I would tell my wife.....here we are 4 hunting rifles later...:)
 
All good choices but if you throw elk into the mix... I'd go with a light rifle in 338 Federal or Possibly a 338-06 A-Square
 
Thanks for the input everyone. I guess the thing to consider about the elk possibility is it would not be a regular thing and likely a one off so I wouldn't want to base my choice completely on that but would want something that could handle it if I decided to. It looks like the .308 should fit my needs.
 
Some may "ding you" for your choice of the AR-10, but the .308 can do it all with the right bullet. A .308 AR should have been the choice of the military anyway....... bet that gets some comments!:neener:
 
The AR10 might be a little bulky to carry around but if you are good with it, it is an excellent all around gun and cartridge.
 
I have one of the little Ruger Compacts with the 16.5" barrels in .308 and it hasn't let me down one bit. It has taken plenty of feral hogs a few deer and one cow elk at about 75-100yds.

With the numerous bullet weights and choices it is hard to be. Personally I would get overly bothered with the barrel length and wouldn't have an issue with anything 20-22". Heck I don't have an issue with the 16.5" one even if I do give up a little velocity.
 
270 Win or 280 Rem are great choices. I use a 280 AI and love it!! I would hunt anything in NA without hesitation. 280 has a bit better bullet selection
 
IMHO .308 is one of the best all around calibers on the planet. Good choice in your situation
 
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Variety is the spice of life. For what you're after, I'd go with any of the fine calibers other people mentioned except a 308 or any other 30 cal. 308, 30-06, and other .30 cals are definitely tried and true versatile performers, but why not mix it up a little?

How about a 7mm-08? Just a necked down 308, right? but with some interesting sectional density and ballistic coefficient differences of the .280 bullet.
 
My go to rifle is a .308. I bought my 7 mag for the possibility of elk, but it's a big, heavy gun, an older Savage M110. My little M7 Remington is so handy in the woods, in a box blind, very light on the shoulder, and is actually a tiny bit more accurate than the Savage. It shoots 3/4 MOA and has plenty of power. It's not quite as flat shooting, but I don't consider anything past 400 yards, anyway.

I'm not hunting out west anymore, so my range is limited now days, but the .308 should be fine on elk to 300 yards just on the numbers. I do know it's an awesome pig and deer rifle, for sure. :D

Oh, my 20" barrel puts a 150 grain bullet out at just under 2800 fps safely.
 
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There are certainly advantages to the 308 win, but the only suggestion I will offer is to consider the personality of each cartridge and ask which one matches your personality the best. For many, there's something special about what cartridge, especially if there will only be one, you choose besides the practicalities. There are about a dozen or more cartridges that one could make a great argument for in your described role.

Do you or do you wish to handload?
Do you believe there's such a thing as overkill?
Do you want to be able to find cheap mil-surp ammo?
Do you want to be able to find ammo with every sort of bullet at any store
Do you want something unique?
Do you mind a lot of recoil?
Are you picky about the rifle and need a super common chambering for lots of options?
Would you prefer a lever or semi auto rifle?
Do you want maximum accuracy?
Do you want something very flat shooting or does the trajectory challenge excite you?
Do you want to shoot it for fun throughout the year or will you just zero it and hunt?
 
In the AR-10 you could go with an upper in .358 Winchester or .338 Federal. Both are 200 yard (at least) elk cartridges. I would say 250 yards.

They are absolutely fantastic on deer too.
 
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