Really big rifles for moose and stuff.

1899

1899

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
34   0   0
Location
West
Enough of the .270 for moose questions already. Who has used, or does regularly use the "big stuff" for moose, elk and other North American big game? What kind of setup and loads are you using?

I used to have a .416 RM that I used on boar and I tell you it was like a fly-swatter. I used 400gr Hornady RN. My buddy asked to used it on a really big black bear and again the load was effective, to say the least. Unfortunately I sold it before I had a chance to shoot a moose or elk with that rifle.

I know a couple of folks like WhyNot? have used .375's. Bone Collector used to use a .458 WM and even posted a picture of a successful moose hunt. Casull (who unfortunately no longer posts here) even went to the .50 cal stuff with a custom Ruger No.1 and had a bolt action .577 REWA at one point! I think it was him who told me that things start happening once you go to .416" and up.


So let's hear some stories about using chamberings that keep modern day armoured moose and elk from limping off! ;)
 
For Moose specifically, ;) I started out with a Simpon-Sears 'special' sporterized Lee Enfield in 303Br. Graduated, when funds allowed, to a Parker Hale in 308NM. Since then, a 444 Marlin, 300WM and the old stand by, a 30-06 have 'played' an active role. With a couple of well placed shots, I've never experienced any difficulty putting one down with any calibre used. However, next on the list for the next 'call' is one of two rifles I have available, in 358NM. After what I've said, why?? :redface: ;) Just cuz.
 
I have never shot a moose with a rifle... I have taken a couple dozen bulls with archery gear, but that doesn't qualify me as a bigbore/moose guy... I have carried a few big bore rifles while hunting moose, a ..405 Win, .45/120 and .458 WM... never squeezed the trigger while carrying them though... but I have shot quite a few deer with all three... and a few other medium bore .35, .366 and .375's... I kinda have a medium bore thing.
 
While ive never hunted moose ive taken several black bears with 4570 and 458wm
I had a bear stand off and growl and snap his teeth for a half hour or so walking back in forth in the thick new growth that was about 8' tall. I was 3' off the ground 30 yards from my bait. All went silent for felt like an eternity then a mad roar and the branches started parting. He went from a out 40 yards to 12' in the time it took to raise my gun from ready position to my shoulder. I fired the right barrel of my 4570 at the first black i saw. All went quiet. I waited a nervous minute trying to decide whether to open the gun and reload or just cover with the other barrel. I eventually reloaded swapping my 405gr softs with 500gr solids and started in. It was thick enough i didnt see the bear laying on the offside of a fallen log and i actually stepped on him. Luckily he was dead. The bullet scored the skull entered the neck and exited thru the far shoulder
I had a cross bow in my hands as i left the cabin that afternoon but turned around and got the sxs. Just had a weird feeling. Half hour walk to the quad and 3 hour drive to the hospital if it had gone wrong.
My 458 really knocks em down. Problem is having a fancy 26.5" barrel when the bear climbs the back of the tree and is trying to get in the climber stand with me. Couldnt get the muzzle pointed at him without fear of dropping my gun or breaking my wrist at the shot. A right hook to the snout sure offended him. Lucky he wasnt interested in a fist fight and climbed down. He was about 3' from the muzzle when i shot him. 405gr rem at 2400 fps was effective
 
I don't shoot anything big anymore, I have a .375 Ultra and a .458, but neither qualifies. I had considered a .500 NE, a .500 Jeffrey, or a .510 Wells, but the moment passed. If you're going to own a rifle like that, and shoot it enough to become competent, you need deep pockets, unless you restrict yourself to cast.
 
I've used a 416 Rigby for moose with 400 gr Barnes TSX. Like the hammer of Thor! Really knocks them flat and LOTS of penetration. Also have take moose with my 375 Weatherby and 300 gr Sierra Game Kings......you can see the ripple effect when the bullets hit!! This year I've drawn a cow moose tag in an "easy hunt" zone so my '74 Sharps in 45-70 is going to get the chance to kill a moose. Also shot a calf moose a few years ago with a 1886 Winchester in 45-70 (350 hard cast) .....again no contest.

Have taken 21 elk so far in my career and most of them with big .338's (.378 Bee .340 Bee, 338 RUM, 338 Lapua, 300 wins., etc) but now will be shooting the 375 Bee as the new Barnes LRX have made this an honest 3/4 MOA gun out to 650 yards.

Also have shot 2 Bison bulls. One with a 375 HH and the other with a 45-70. Big animals require big guns......anyways more fun to shoot if you see sky while in recoil?!!! HAHAHA each to his own I guess.
 
I've used .375 h+h, with 260 grn pills everything was through and through, no complaints. I have to shoot something with the .460 weatherby, don't care if its a moose or a gopher, it needs it!
 
1899- I know where there is a Merkel 140AE in 470 that’s only been fired 6 times for $6500 asking that ought to twist your shoulder.
 
I used a 375 rum for years. One good hit.

Realize that just like the 223 for deer guys》》》its bullet placement. A moose fills a freezer, but only 3/4 if you shoot them in the round roasts. A well placed bullet and there is no tracking. You also dont have hamburger roll out when you skin them...them including deer.
 
450yukon said:
1899- I know where there is a Merkel 140AE in 470 that’s only been fired 6 times for $6500 asking that ought to twist your shoulder.
Click to expand...

I am in a wheelchair so the .416 RM gave me pretty much all I could handle. My friend said it was quite comical to watch me shoot it. It would be a shame to drop that kind of coin only to get flipped onto my ass the first time I fire it. I may have to capitulate and get a muzzle brake if I get another big one.

On the other hand Ive had a couple of 375 H&H mags and they were fine.
 
Not really big, but have put many tons of moose, caribou, and bear in the freezer over the past 50 years using the 358 Norma Mag, 9.3X62, 375 H&H, and the 375 Wby.

Used a 416 Chatfield-Taylor for a while, and a 458 Win Mag once.

They all kill very well with good hits. The 270 Win does, too. ;)

Ted
 
I’ve shot my last two moose with my .375 Ruger and 250gr TTSX. A few moose back I shot one with my .35 Whelen and 225gr TSX. I’ll be taking my .375 out for moose again this year, it has become my dedicated moose rifle.
 
Why not? said:
Not really big, but have put many tons of moose, caribou, and bear in the freezer over the past 50 years using the 358 Norma Mag, 9.3X62, 375 H&H, and the 375 Wby.

Used a 416 Chatfield-Taylor for a while, and a 458 Win Mag once.

They all kill very well with good hits. The 270 Win does, too. ;)

Ted
Click to expand...

Your advice about the .375 H&H convinced me to buy my first one!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom