Not so much smart, but at my age just gimme a rifle and let me go hunting....I'll get it worked out!
Bingo!
I've hunted elk with a .44 Mag revolver and carbine. Marlin lever guns .30-30, .375 Winchester and .45-70, and bolts in .257 Roberts, .280 Rem, 7mm Rem Meg, .308 Win, .30-06, .300 Win Mag and .338 Win Mag. The only time I felt a significant range restriction was with the .44 Mags, the .30-30 and the .375 Winchester.
Give me 2000fps and 1500fpe at 300 yards and the ergos of the launch platform matter more than the cartridge.
Yes, I hear ya. Give me a good rifle and lets go hunting. I'll be happy just being there.
