I am trying to decide on a rifle that'll handle everything WV throws at.....everything really (deer, black bear, maybe even elk if I draw a tag) Is .308 enough or should I step up to .30-06? Or am I overthinking this and should just stick with what I shoot best?
Caliber for WV hunting
- Thread starter Ironheart
- Start date
Jeff Michel
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- Joined
- Sep 24, 2025
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- 5
A .308 is an excellent choice unless your looking for an excuse to buy a 30-06. Then the 30-06 is exactly what you need 
pasound
Member
Depending on the area you are hunting in, the old reliable 30-30 lever action might be the best choice. Smaller overall size means easier handling in brushy country. Many areas are 50-75 yards max for a clear shot, and a 30-30 with, say, a Leupold VX-1 with 2x7 magnification can cover the range, accuracy, and one shot kill needed.
Black bears in WV are not very big, but stealthy. A good 44 mag in a chest holster is a good idea in bear country, just in case.
Elk? It will be a while before there are any real hunting tags. They've only been reintroduced in the past decade (despite that there is the Elk River running through the center of the state). They are huge - 338, 45-70, or some other similar cannon would be necessary.
Black bears in WV are not very big, but stealthy. A good 44 mag in a chest holster is a good idea in bear country, just in case.
Elk? It will be a while before there are any real hunting tags. They've only been reintroduced in the past decade (despite that there is the Elk River running through the center of the state). They are huge - 338, 45-70, or some other similar cannon would be necessary.
Wvcruffler
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- Joined
- Jul 1, 2025
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- 5
Anything would work 24 cal and above. Black bear are not tough game. A 243 or 30-30 is plenty. For me the smallest lightest gun is what I like to carry so a youth model 7mm08 would be my go-to. I have several of them.
Hey @Ironheart , you are absolutely overthinking it. A .308 is plenty for whitetail and black bear in West Virginia. Even for elk, a well-placed shot with a modern .308 will do the job. Pick the caliber you can shoot most accurately and comfortably, that beats extra power every single time
