[TC124]

I'm looking at buying a Ruger M77 with a synthetic stock and a stainless steel barrel (all weather gun) in a .308 winchester. I hunt mostly in PA for whitetail, and black bear. In the future i would like to go out west to hunt mule deer, pronghorn, and maybe even elk. Could i load a round up for this gun that would take down these western animals?

[hunter Joe]

IMHO the .308 in a bolt action rifle should just about take down any game in North America as long as you stay within the projectiles parameters for distance.
I believe it would be a good choice.

[stalkingbear]

Yes you could as long as you stick to reasonable ranges. The heavier bullets would have to be seated deeper into the case, thereby further limiting the case powder capacity. That would bring the initial (and downrange) velocity down. Stick to 200-250 yards max on elk and you'll be ok. You'll be able to shoot lesser animals such as mule deer & antelope further out with lighter bullets.

[Gatekeeper]

You could work up a load using 165gr Noslers
165gr Ballistic tips for whitetails back home
165gr Accubonds for bear, elk etc.
Loadings would be the same and POI should be the same.
One load, two different bullets for different game

[TC124]

Thanks for all your help guys! I'm going to get the gun