Thanks for the input. 

While I like the ballistics of the 25-06, I'm considering the Roberts because I'd prefer to stay with a short action.  I'm also a big fan of the .308 Win.  Did alot of shooting with 1 as a police sniper; & killed several deer with that rifle (training of course).  That's what got my attention towards the 308 ME, it having very simular ballistics.  But I'm I little concerned about the lever action having a 24" bbl.  I haven't actually handled 1 yet but I like the "carryability" of lever guns.  But I think that length would certainly affect that.

Michael,

I've had to track a couple deer after being shot with a .25-06 (Not very far mind you) and there's always been a pretty good blood trail.  But, I won't shoot smaller than a 117 grain bullet for whitetail, and that may have something to do with it. 

I did shoot a 100 grain in the .25-06 for everal years (which is also the largest commercially-loaded round for a .243 unless something's changed recently) but had to switch when I had one literally blow-up on a deer's shoulder.  For some reason the added bullet weight keeps that from happening.  But, even with that unless you're shooting a partition, triple shock, or similar bullet you'll never recover a bullet in a deer when its shot with a .25-06...let's say at least I haven't.  The thing just comes apart.  I think you'll find that common for all smaller deer rifle calibers (6mm, .243, .25-06, etc)

A 7mm-08 is a great round, but I've found there's a limited choice for commercially manufactured ammunition.

Hello again,

I have a follow-up question to add to my original post:

I've just learned that the Hornady LeveRevolution ammo is available in .44 Mag.  Although it was developed for use in lever-action rifles with tubular magazines, a friend tells me it's also the ideal hunting round for a long-barreled handgun.

I've been really impressed with the performance of LeveRevolution .30-30 ammo in my rifle, so I'm very interested in hunting hogs with it in the .44 Mag.

Anyone have any experience with this ammo in a revolver?  TIA for replies!

Regards,

Jim

FOR HOW MANY PEOPLE ? BOW OR RIFLE ? 

I'm almost strictly a Winchester guy (rifle-wise anyways) and I'll agree with Colby on the base/ring combo. I've never had good luck with weaver style bases and think of them more of an improved (slightly) dove-tail mount (found on .22s and air-guns). I'm betting that the simmons 8-point that came mounted on it was on weaaver style bases to begin with. Might be why you're unable to hit paper (wobbly scope syndrome). If that's not the cause do this (because bore-sighters are hit or miss - excuse the pun). After bore-sighting, don't goto the 100-yard range first off. Start at 25-50, adjust scope to impact, then increase range and do this all the way out to your maximum effective range or as far as your comfortable to shoot (or your range allows). Do it correct the first time and you'll never have to do it again.

I have a mid 80's Sako 300 Win Mag and found that with all bullets except Barnes X bullets and Nosler Partitions the terminal performance are explosive. I have hunted and taken game from 50 lb. european Roe deer to 400 lb. black bear with excellent results. I have a friend that swears by the 300 Ultra Mag in a Remington 700 with a good muzzle break. When I shot it, it felt like my 30-06 and I saw the results on the 450 lb, 7 foot black bear. A one shot kill that dropped it in it's tracks. Wear hearing protection. Reasons: You can always find parts and most gunsmiths can work on it. With my european rifles, that is not the case after 10 years. I have a Kimber chambered in the 300 WSM and while I reload 180 grain Nosler Partitions to 3000 fps, I would never go against large bear with it or any short mag rifles. Another friend had to shoot a moose three times before putting it down with his 325 WSM Browning rifle using a 225 grain Winchester bullets.