I have the book from which the article is posted from, and recently re-red it.
If I remember correctly: Finn's 308 was a WW2 large ring action that was re-barreled by the Israely to a 308. Or, maybe it was a surplus WW2 action that had a surplus Israely Nato caliber Mauser barrel shortened a bit, and screwed on it.
It was given a Beuhler safety, and either a forged or welded bolt handle. He put it into some type of basic synthetic stock, slobered some type of paint on it, and rubbed it with sifted creek sand to add grip. It was D&T'd and equipped with something like Weaver rings and bases, and a four power scope. Finn was a very sensible and practical hunter. To the end: an ethical hunter. A long shot was 200 plus yards with a good rest.
As for the cartridge choice of 308. Remember he hunted and guided in Texas after he left Africa. Maybe if he had stretched the mag box of the same action to 06 length, and had gotten one of the few military 06 barrels floating around he would have just stuck with that. He did reload, and it would have been his tendency not to "push things." The bolt would have worked just the same in either caliber.
When you are primarily hunting deer (and small deer at that) who needs a bullet over 180 grains?
You will note that the 7-08 pictured has had the forestock shortened, and a barrel band swivel added. The entire rifled was lightened. The tang safety was in the correct place for either "handed" people. A sweet rifle for the wife and kids.
