For years I hunted with a .308 Win but switched over to a .35 Whelen in 1990 hunting in Montucky griz country. I guess that was influenced by Elmer Keith? Anyway, the Whelen has killed a dump truck load of deer and elk. The longest was 308 yards on a rag horn bull. Mine doesn’t shoot 200 grain bullets worth beans, so a 225 gr TBBC or Partition is the load. It’s still my go to hunting in WA.
Subsequently, after hunting more open country in NW Colorado, I switched to a 7mm Weatherby and a .300 Weatherby. Both of those dumped deer and elk pretty much where they stood. Most of my shots have been under 300 yards, although longer shots are sometimes the norm. 150 and 168 gr TTSX shoot well in the respective rifles. I’ve hunted with my Mark V .30-06 but have never had an opportunity on elk with it in my hands.
The .300 Weatherby is my first choice and wears very good glass with no turret twisting. Happy Trails
