The 6.5 is a superior round but.... it does burn thru barrels. I would stick with the tried and true 308. There is a reason its been one of the most reliable rounds ever. Both will have the same result in the end. A dead elk. As far as recoil there is not much difference. I would stay...
I owould go wtih the
Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD Binocular. I put a link below.
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I have had my treager for about ten years now and use it probably 75-100 times per year and never had any problems. had to replace small parts like the thermometer.
I moved to Idaho three years ago from Texas and the hunting is quit different. I have hunted Slate Creek up between Riggins and Grangeville. Very steep country but see a ton of whitetail. I am not sure of the zone number. Very steep country.