11-28-2011, 05:36 AM
+1 for the .260 Remington. Don't even mess with the .30 cals if you want a cartridge that "cheats" the wind, and enjoys a broad range of both hunting and long-range projectiles. I have a .260 Rem and .270 Winchester. Using 140gr Berger VLD's in both calibers, I need 250fps more out of the .270 to match the trajectory of the .260 at 1000yds, and the .260 still beats the .277 pills for wind deflection. For a mountain rifle, where you are looking at 300-500yd engagement distances, I would focus on a .260 Rem in a short action, that is balanced to your anatomy, with a good sling and great optics that line-up with your solid cheek weld. Learn your ballistics well, and you'll be a happy camper.