Hey huys I just wanted to run by the forum what has been on my mind...


I am on the verge of moving back to AZ and want to buy a hunting rifle. This will by my first non AR or tactical gun. The primary use would be to shoot hogs, elk, deer, lions during the hunting seasons. The main question I have is:

"does the extra velocity of the magnum really matter for close range hunting?"

The only critter I am concerned with taking would be the ELK. I wouldnt be shooting them past 300 yards and would be using only solid or bonded hunting bullets. The magnum might help me load heavier bullets, but otherwise the 308 and any magnum have similar bullet selection. The main difference I have observed here is velocity. The magnum is running about 500 FPS faster, but is that even useful for my application? It seems that 30 cal bullets moving at more modest velocities have great penetration, where as when they are moving faster its more of the explosive varmint liquidator effect. Impressive yes, but neccessary for killing?

For refence I am looking at the lever actions made by browning and henry. The BLR and long Ranger.