Best cartridge for Light Mountain Gun

My light mountain guns are 8 1/4 lbs. But they're an STW and a 338. A spear should come in under 7 lbs. Hahaha
Demo's 06 makes the most sense but it's a Rem.
 
if i could have one "mountain gun" it would be a parkerized 444 marlin with a 22" barrel, marbles tang sight and globe front sight, with a hammer spur and some nice leatherwork... and some 300 grain water quenched hardcast handloads. all for only 7.5 lbs. i guess a 45/70 or 450 would do also, but i'd sacrifice the extra bullet weight for a bit of a flatter trajectory.
I have thought about this before as you may be able to tell.
out here in BC's mountains there are some pretty mean critters.
I have the gun already, i just need to park it and procure the sights and leather:D
 
I think a .308 Win. or a .30-06 would be just about perfect. A rut crazed elk is a tough customer. As are Mountain Goats. I've owned a .300 Win Mag that was 7lbs ready to go, and the recoil with stout loads was noticeable, but fine for me.

If the ones I posted are too much and you need very light recoil I would look at a .257 Roberts, .25-06 or 6.5x55 SE.
 
75mm for a pack howitzer:)

M8%2075mm%20Pack%20Howitzer%20(Airborne).jpg
 
As much as I agree the recoil could be a factor in a light rifle..... but when it comes time to pull the trigger on the game, that’s the last thing on your mind if the eye relief is added in to the package...
 
I'd go with a 270, 270WSM, 7mmWSM or 308 myself. I never notice (or even think about) recoil in the field. If I lived out West and was facing longer shots at elk sized game I'd probably go with one of the WSMs above... until I went to actually buy the rifle and then I'd second guess myself into a 300 magnum.

Jeff
 
7-08, even though I am a fan of the 260. Just a few bigger bullets to toss as an option. Bear defense in the wilderness? Real bear defense is at the muzzle, where even these lighter calibres have plenty of energy.
 
300 WSM. Definitely some recoil there with 7 pound rifle but specified mountain rifle, not range rifle, and if in the mountains may also need it to defend against critters that think you tasty. If thinking 260 / 270 / 7.08 then would keep it simple with .308.
 
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