As usual, Sal is in the center ring. The efficiency of the '08 case combined with 7mm ballistics can't be argued. It is also one that could be used for larger game such as elk. Bullet technology/manufacturing have also improved in the past couple of decades, affording higher velocities/ballistic coefficients with nearly 100% bullet weight retention. This is another reason why lighter calibers are much more effective and popular.

As I get older, my gear has gotten lighter with the vertical staying about constant in a typical day afield. That also includes my choice of rifle. After toting a 7mm RM for many years, I was considering either the 7-08 or .284 but inheriting my father's .25-06 SPS (in stainless = hint) gave me another option. I also liked that the 100 gr. TTSX trajectory was significantly flatter than the 7-08 pushing its ideal 140 gr. TTSX. Both share the same kinetic energy and minimal recoil with the long action tipping the scale a bit more that the short. Hopefully, I'll be able to sort out a spike bull this fall and see what the zippy quarter-bore will do at the terminal end of the equation....

I look forward to seeing your daughter's smiles in the forthcoming range and hunting trip photos. Seems to work well for both Sal and Thomas....