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I'd be curious to know when is a .308 ever not appropriate for a mid-sized game hunt, but another .30 caliber rifle would be?
Assuming an ethical shot of 100 yards at "some mid-sized critter" for instance:
Which "critter" would a 180gr .308 be inappropriate, but a 300winmag or 300 RUM would be appropriate?
I understand increasing weight and diameter for even larger game as you transition to the big bears, moose, buffalo and african game... 375 H&H, .45-70, .450 Win Mag and the list of exotic big game cartridges.
The .30 magnums certainly can seat heavier and deeper bullets, but at what point does .30 diameter penetration cease to matter and you really need a bigger hole rather than a deeper one? 200gr? 220gr? And I understand also that the .30 magnums allow for flatter and longer shots for folks willing to take those types of shots, but that same bullet up close at 50-100 yards might then fragment upon impact, wouldn't it?
To the OP: My M14 loves Speer 180gr Hot Cores. I don't shoot a lot of them since they are kinda heavy for the gas system, but it shoots them very consistently out to 300 yards. That was my elk load up until I got a .450 Marlin this year.
ETA: I know you didn't specifically mention the .30 magnums... the thought just kinda came into my head thinking about "when is .308 NOT enough? And what then IS enough?"
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