New Rifle Suggestion

[RockChuck]

Thats what I was looking for!!

[RockChuck]

But honestly that is close to the mentality of some people when it comes to the 308. that is why I say maybe I am underestimating it.

[Bob33]

Guns and calibers are rarely the limiting factor for hunters.  Marksmanship, hunting skills, preparation, determination, and fitness are all far more important.  As far as equipment goes, optics are of greater value.  If I had limited funds (well, I do... ) I'd put them into optics first: binoculars - you can't shoot what you don't know is there.

[G.R.K]

300 Win Mag,It's all about shot placement.

[RockChuck]

Guns and calibers are rarely the limiting factor for hunters.  Marksmanship, hunting skills, preparation, determination, and fitness are all far more important.  As far as equipment goes, optics are of greater value.  If I had limited funds (well, I do... ) I'd put them into optics first: binoculars - you can't shoot what you don't know is there.

I agree with all this.

[Crisptrigr]

Here's a fun option if you want a new rifle. Find a good used 30-06 (no challenge there) take it to a smith and have it re-bored and chambered to 338-06. You should check the ballistics on that round, makes a fine elk gun. You can load your own or buy factory for it.
It will up your punch where you want it without magnum recoil, give you a unique rifle not everyone owns, and something new to play with!

[Hyde]

Sounds like you have low and medium sized calibers covered nicely.  Now it's time to kick it up a notch...

300 win mag (or short mag). 338-06 is a good one as Crisptrigr mentioned. 

I might suggest tagging along with friends to the range and firing a few different calibers.  See how much you can handle and go as big as possible. 

[DIGGER69R]

You already have what you  "need"

If you just want a new rifle that is great for deer and elk then get what ever want 270 and bigger.

to me it's not what bullet you shoot it's where you put it.

308 Win 178 gr BTHP Superformance Match
Test Barrel (24") Velocity (fps) / Energy (ft-lbs)
Muzzle 100 200 300 400 500
2775/3043 2604/2681 2440/2353 2282/2058 2129/1792 1983/1554
Trajectory (inches)
Muzzle 100 200 300 400 500
-1.50 1.80 0.00 -7.60 -21.90 -44.00

[McCascades]

Rockchuck, Take a look at the 338'06 Cartridge. It is the 30'06 necked up to .338,  Would be very similar to your 25'06 in recoil and report.  I believe Weatherby and a few others may be chambering for this round.

[longrange7mm]

Rockchuck,

If you are just wanting to add another great caliber  "with a little more punch" to your collection then get a 7mm, 300 win, or 338 win! Right now if you do not reload stick with a popular rounds were ammo is readily available.  .

Now If your not wanting to spend some money on a new set up do your self a favor top either one of your guns with a good quality scope "leupold, ziess, or Swarovski; invest in a range finder and spend some time with your rifle you will be amazed at what both of those guns will do.

I cant stress enough on buying the best optics you can afford. It just does not do a $700 rifle justice to put a $150 cheapo on it.

Next you say your 25-06 is too heavy to shoot off hand? Change your shooting form instead of holding your rifle in the traditional form with thumb on the same side as your face and midway down the forearm; turn your hand over so thumb is opposite your face and just past the trigger guard this will allow you to use your body to support the weight. It feels awkward at first but will greatly improve off hand shooting with a heavier gun I shoot a 7mm RUM that weighs 18.8 lbs off hand and ding the 600 yd plate all day with this rifle.

With my 25-06 with a contour 4 24" hunting barrel I shoot a 9.5" group at 1000 that is less then MOA. Down side is wind with 115 gr bullet 10 mph wind is a killer on that little bullet.
Personally I would shoot the 25-06 over your 308 but your the one that knows how they shoot and its all about what your comfortable with. you can go buy that big 33-378 weatherby but the first time it bites you your gunna spend thousands of dollars correcting the flinch 

Hope this helps

[RockChuck]

Wow I have been researching the 308 and it is quite the round, I never thought it would do what it does. Thank you for all the replies you guys have a lot of great info. I am going to look into the 338 06