T.R.
Member
The only two MAGNUM rifles I've ever owned are a 44MAG carbine and 22MAG rifle. But neither shoots a belted magnum cartridge.
I've taken many elk in Wyoming and one in Oregon. Most were taken with my .308 carbine at distances of approx 225 yards and LESS. The myth of 350 yard shots at western big game continues to lure hunters toward the big magnums. By myth, I mean to say FALSE ASSUMPTION.
Yet some guys insist on magnum rifles and I have no quarrel with them as long as they can shoot those big boomers accurately. Many new magnum owners do not practice shoot often enough to master these heavy recoiling rifles. Its foolish to assume that a person can shoot his new magnum rifle as well as a .308 or 270 unless much practice is completed. I recommend shooting at 225 yards from makeshift field positions at an empty 1 gallon paint can. Master these shooting skills and you're ready for elk hunting.
For less than $1,200. TIKKA, Browning and Remington will sell you most excellent rifles. Of course Savage still builds very accurate and sturdy rifles, too.
TR