A .30 Mag with today’s bullet choices, especially with 180-220 gr .550 - .700 G1 BC along with their high SD are IMO the best NA heavy game magnum caliber that offers the most versatility that can be had. From any range, especially from 400-800 yards and properly scoped the .30 Mag combines ballistics and power that can’t be matched by a .35 way out there. The .35, while potent, can’t hang with the long range capability of the .30 Mag, mostly due to the bullet technology available in the .30 and that lacking in the non sweet spot .35. For plains and mountains on smaller game up through elk, moose and mountain grizzly you would be hard pressed to find a more shootable, potent and versatile setup for an all around NA big game rifle. The 308 Norma can push a 212 gr high BC (.660) bullet easily at 2,850 fps from a std length long action magnum bolt face, that’s some serious big game lights out, especially way out there if you’re good enough to make shots way out there. Only one man’s opinion.
Good post Ross, and like I said in an earlier post if you use a bullet like a 200gr partition, it's going to do a damn lot of penetrating. I would not feel undergunned while carrying my 308 Norma magnum and shooting 200gr partitions. My rifle also holds 5 of those beasts, but that is neither here nor there as compared to the OP's rifle... I like the idea of extra firepower, not that you would necessarily need 5 shots, but in a stressful situation you never know what's going to happen. I've had buddies fling 5 shots at a deer and miss, now try that on a bear running right at you... I'd probably even take a 35 Whelen, that holds 5 in the box, over the mighty 358 NM... Quicker follow up shots, easier to handle and shoot well and more in the magazine all have their benefits..
