Perhaps I can jump back in, I started this thread wanting a rifle I could hike with all day and still manage to take game along the way. Where I hunt our biggest game is Black Bear in the 2-300 pound range; but its been a long time since Ive heard of a real threat from a bear. More recently we have been experiencing attacks from packs of feral/stray dogs.
I do question some of the cartridges thus far suggested. No doubt they a perfect choices for each of you but I think Id pass. Im not at all opposed to big bore cartridges, heck Ive been known to hunt deer with a 470 NE. Im also not opposed to 7x57 or 6.5x55 for medium, perhaps even large (North American) game (Didnt I see that 22 High Power was used for Tigers?).
Im also not opposed to SCOUT rifles although Im pretty much convinced a small Red Dot has supplanted the forward Scout optic. Im was a big fan of the 350 Rem Magnum but where do you find that on the shelves, likewise the 376 Steyr on the shelf? Im more and more liking single shots (Ruger No1 and Encores) for this concept, usually without optics or perhaps a small Red Dot. Ive used both longer 24-26" barrels in 7x57 and 30-30, as well as a short 460 and 500SW the latter when in Hog country. The 460 and 500 are more just because I can and sorta stand in for my double 10ga.
