Ben Long
Well-known member
Only one variable here: changing the caliber. In my experiment, people have the same latitude about loads, scopes, models, actions etc. At the big picture, I don't think it would make a particle of difference. On one end, there would be fewer elk wounded or lost with lower energy cartridges like .243 or 30/30 and a few more elk killed at distance greater than 100 yards. On the other end, there would be a few less elk taken at long ranges (but also fewer wounded and lost). Plus a lot of hunters shoot magnums that are too much gun for them. The 30/06 is about the limit of what most shooters can handle with regards to recoil. So maybe 3-5 percent fewer elk taken, maybe. But a small percentage either way. But there would be an enormous impact to industry marketing -- gun writers and gun companies who need to crank out the "next greatest thing." Don't get me wrong, tinkering with rifles is a great hobby, but it's 99 percent marketing IMO.