Quote:Back east where distances are shorter the 7-08 is ok.. Out here most people shoot big magnums because the country is quite a bit more open..
Before I went to WY this past speed goat season, I was worried about closing the distance to 400 and under for a shot. After my WY antelope trip with three of us shooting three bucks (two at 208yds with a 7mm-08 and 25-06 and one at 125yds with a smoke pole and all on public land), I have no problems using a a 7mm-08 for elk and under. That is unless I wanted to intentionaly shoot something that size at a very long range.
Your country is big out there, but the buttes, draws, and hilly terrain that comes with that big country really helps with closing the distance.
I got nothing against the magnums, I just think that people forget that the 308 and 30-06 parent cases offer chamberings that are more than capable of taking big game at less than extreme distances.