Best cartridge for Light Mountain Gun

Just wondering why some recommend something rather large just in case the bears get close?

I would kinda recommend a roll of double ply TP cause you can miss with anything.:eek:

But on a serious note, why not get what you know you can shoot accurately, which is way more important than size of the caliber. If you know you can shoot a rifle accurately and with confidence at game, that is all that matters, today's quality bullets will take care of the rest. A miss is still a miss no matter how big the hole coulda been.

Rem. 700 Mountain Laminate SS is a nice light rifle in a few different chamberings , starting with .270 for current models I believe.
 
7 pounds all-in would be very light, I'd probably stick with a .270/7mm WSM on the high side of things (might be a bit much for a newer shooter), but a .284 Win would be a very strong and interesting choice as well. Should net you .280 Rem performance in a short action without being too much for a light gun. That'll take all sorts of elk and moose.
 
Ok I know you've all killed this thread, and I'm no pro, but I've been looking at .357 levers and have fallen in love. How bout a Marlin Model 1894C .357 Mag at 6 pounds!?

Marlin site (note the picture of the big bear - don't know how accurate that is lol!):

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/1894centerfire/1894c.asp

reviews of 3 different .357 rifles:

http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_big-boy_1894C_1873.htm

The .357 is a suitable - with proper loads - 100 yard deer rifle. It is certainly not an ideal chambering for mountain hunting. Take a look at Savage's new Model 11 Lightweight Hunter. It weighs 5.5lbs and is available in .260 Rem; 7mm-08 and .308 Win - all of which are great cartridges. Add a lightweight scope and mounts and you will be around 6 1/4 lbs.
 
.300WSM! It is what I have in a rifle under 7 pounds (loaded and wearing a sling). Sure it kicks a bit, but not as much as most would lead you to believe.

As I don't have "Too Many Guns", I try to do it all with that one...
 
6.5x55. I'll leave out my favourite, the .270 'cause it's a bit knarly in 7 pounds and under, but the 6.5 is flat, accurate and mild to shoot with excellent terminal performance. Widely used in Scandinavia for moose.
 
7-08. I love the 260 but gotta give the nod to the potential for for the heavier 7mm
bullets. 308 fine as well but knit-picking the higher BC of the 7mm bullets in practical weights give it the edge.
On the other hand, if your buying factory ammo. 308 all the way.
 
260, 708, 308...

I'd suggest a 270WSM or 7WSM too, but the recoil might be a bit harsh in a really light rifle.

^that. Plus I would add the 7x57, although it will add a few ounces for the longer action. If you're building a rifle the .284 winchester would be very well suited.
 
start adding up all the rounds mentioned and the 6.5x55 will be at the top of the list .........

the only thing better that a 6.5x55 , is the 6.5x55 improved round ( assuming you handload ) .

for a lightweight rifle , other rounds to seriously consider are anything built on the 284 winchester case ( again the 6.5x 284 comes to the top of the list ) , i'd also look at the 6.5 wsm and 270 wsm .
 
.270WSM

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WSM.jpg
 
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