Here in SW Idaho there is a great deal of justification for a 26" barrel, and a premium bullet with a high BC launched at a fast velocity. We have a lot of high desert with sage brush instead of trees for cover. Up north at higher altitudes, it is much easier to get close to the animals. Under those conditions, a .270 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, .308 Winchester, or the 30-06 Springfield make for fine rifles for the task. Now that I can only walk 100 feet, I have to hunt from a truck (Disabled sticker, and the truck cannot be moving.).

I love our BDL in 270 Win, shoots 150 partitions at just over 3000 fps. Our 270 Weatherby bests that by 200 fps at the price of probably 25% more recoil. It still is but a maiden's kiss.