300WM or 7 Rem Mag would be the easiest to convert with just a barrel swap. Short action magnum models like the WSMs could work too if you change out the bolt stop.
Lightly used Trijicon Credo 2.5-15x42 SFP MRAD red illuminated reticle, 30mm main tube. Includes Tenebraex caps, original box and all contents (manuals, stickers, Allen wrenches, scopecoat, bikini caps). Glass and scope are in excellent condition with no defects. Used for one hunt this season...
Lightly used Tract Toric UHD 4-20x50 FFP MRAD/MRAD illuminated reticle, 30mm main tube. This is two years old and has only been a range scope. Glass and scope overall are pristine. I really like this one but it currently doesn’t have a rifle to go on, nor will it for awhile. Need to move it out...
For your use, an 18” .308 with anything from 155-178 gr will do everything you need.
I just plugged into the 4DOF app the following nominal data for Hornady 178 ELDX: muzzle velocity 2500 fps (18-20” barrel is probably actually faster) 1000’ elevation, 45F/55%humidity, and it’s showing 1800...
+1 vote for M Brace. As has been said, once you mount up one set you’ll probably never look back. You can shave 2-3 ounces elsewhere, these are worth it for the quality, ease of use, and strength
*Edit: This is a mid-2020 model, and I think their sizing has changed since then. This is more in line with their current SMALL size but I could’ve sworn it was the medium at the time. Now they put size tags in the harness, back then they did not (at least not that I’ve found). Internal...
Personally I’d probably replace them before the trip. 2000 miles on new tires ahead of the winter is nothing, whereas 2000 miles on worn down tires is a more significant amount of wear relative to their current tread depth. Hope that makes sense.
My thinking is I’d rather go into that trip...
Used a Gregory Baltoro 75 to help a buddy pack out elk meat before I really got into hunting. I was thankful we only had to move the meat a relatively short distance to get it into position for horses, but it was very rugged terrain. The Gregory was noticeably over-taxed by the 90ish lbs. If we...
For the cost you would be hard pressed to match the performance and capabilities of that kit. I’d stick with that for a season or two and then go from there if you want to upgrade.
High load capacity is good. For example, you would not want to mount a 10 lbs rifle on a ball head with a 15 lbs...