Not completely in line with thread title, but pretty relevant.
I'm going on a moose hunt coming fall, and looking at getting a handy 17-18" barreled rifle in either 6.5x55 (Tikka), 7-08 or 308 (Howa).
The heart wants 7-08, but factory ammo is pretty rare for it here in Norway, 6.5 is the most common and training ammo is really cheap compared to all other cartridges here, while .308 is pretty much the most failsafe option for a short action.
Long term I'll probably be swapping barrel for 7-08AI or SAW if I go for a short action, or .284 win in case of the Tikka.
Main sticking points are, is it worth spending twice as much for the Tikka?
Should I betray my heart and go .308, although I shoot almost exclusively handloads?
I want a short and light rifle, as I only hunt suppressed, and I don't want something that snags on every bush and tree in the region, ranges are moderate in my area, and according to my calculations, all should easily be capable out to 400 yards.
I'm somewhat leaning towards the Howa in 7-08, as I already have one Howa, and I really like it, it's also a lot cheaper than the Tikka, leaving more in the budget for a good stock and scope.