Deer + Moose rifle recommendation

J.Hancock said:
From my research, 30/06 firearms have a lower chamber pressure tolerance than .308 meaning it doesn't pack as much umph. Odd given the casing size but makes sense, realizing when these cartridges were developed.
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Many of us load the cartridge to the same pressure level as 308 when used in modern rifles.

SuperCub said:
One advantage of a 300 magnum is that it can be downloaded to level that would equate a 308 or 30-06 or loaded up to it's full potential.
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Only for us who reload.

I downloaded 300 wm practice ammo for my SIL when he bought a Savage lightweight Hunter as his first rifle. Savage was a good name for it.
 
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If you like the levers my choice would be model 88 .308. with a good 4X scope. If the bolt actions come into play there are lots of good ones. I would go with a 30-06 in a model 70, 700, 77 or Xbolt with a low power variable.
 
The 30.06 is fine and there are different bullet weights available so is a good choice for moose, deer or bear. Many guys will suggest bolt action, and a few have suggested lever actions, however I would make a case for the Remington pump action. One advantage of the bolt action is that they are probably easier to clean. Other type of actions can be a bit tricky due to the greater number of parts.
 
Tikka T3x in 308 topped with a 3-9 or 1-6 (even a 1-4x if you never shoot past 200 yards). Spend as much on glass as you do the rifle... don't buy Vortex unless it's their Razor line.
 
BLR in .308 is the predictable answer for someone looking to hunt deer and moose with a lever action. Classy and accurate and will do fine out to reasonable range.

Really, anything in .270 Win or 7mm-08 on up will be plenty, so find the rifle that floats your boat and give 'er.
 
I hunt with a member on here in NB. He uses a .308 with 165gr sst reloads or federal blue box, I use a .300 win mag 180 ttsx reloads or Barnes vortx. We’ve both killed moose, bears, birds and deer with those rounds… all died, expressly. Caliber arguments in Atlantic Canada are moot; most shots are taken well within the limits of most center-fire cartridges. I owned a BLR ‘81 td; several of my friends and family have used/owned blrs. On average the guns are “okay” shooters which is disappointing because I want to love the gun but a sample size of 10-15 guns of various conditions proves some shoot very well and others will throw flyers for absolutely no reason all steel and pre ‘81s seem to fair better in the consistency department. With caliber restrictions being lifted in NB I can tell you some of those fang-dangle new PCCs and straight wall cartridges seem pretty cool as a edc in the nb woods. But you can’t go wrong with a win 94 or marlin 95 in some classic caliber if you can find ammo for them.
 
jparent said:
Tikka T3x in 308 topped with a 3-9 or 1-6 (even a 1-4x if you never shoot past 200 yards). Spend as much on glass as you do the rifle... don't buy Vortex unless it's their Razor line.
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The quality of optics has improved over the last 10-15 years and the prices went down. There is no need these days to spend as much on a glass as on a rifle, supposing a rifle will cost around $1000. One can have exceptional scope for around $400-500. This includes Leupolds 2-7x33 and 3-9x40, with true lifetime warranty. For shooting up to 400 yards, that's more than enough. That's what I would buy now and keep the other $500 to shoot more....
 
Hit it in the Heart/Lung area an it wont matter what ya using, Theres some wisdom in the 5 crucial aspects of Sambar hunting which would carry onto Moose......

1- Shot placement
2- shot placement
3 shot placement
4 a Reasonable cartridge
5 a well constructed bullet for the Task ahead.
 
Haven't really went hunting since I was a kid borrowing my grandfather's 30-30 and looking into getting into it this upcoming fall. Looking for a rifle and calibre recommendation for a rifle that I could hunt both whitetail and moose with. I'm kind of partial to lever actions, but definitely not against a bolt action either. Most hunting would be done in Nova Scotia, with some trips to Cape Breton, NB, and Newfoundland in the future for moose. Also looking for recommendations on scopes. Not very well versed in the hunting segment of firearms. Any advice appreciated!
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You didn't say if you had a cost in mind. New Lever guns are expensive, expect to pay $1000 and up for a lever gun in 308/30-06 chamberings. Scope on top of that is another $300-$400 and up. Also there isn't a lot of choices in lever gun models and chamberings. Henry Long Ranger, Browning BLR

I'm going to recommend a bolt action rifle. Bolt actions cost less, they are easier to service and clean, and they are available in more calibers.

If you're on a budget the Ruger American and Savage Axis are good for the money entry-level rifles. If you use factory ammo, look at commonly available chamberings like 270, 308, 30-06 that are available everywhere that sells ammo. If you reload or will reload at some point, then look at 7mm-08 cartridge. It's a good deer cartridge and also does well with heavier bullets on heavy game. It's pleasant to shoot and accurate. A Savage Axis in 7mmx08 would be a good all-round rifle.

For scopes a variable is a good choice. I like 1-4 and 2-7 variables for all round use on big game rifles. Don't buy a cheap scope, look at Leupold VX1 as the minimum quality and price range.
 
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SuperCub said:
One advantage of a 300 magnum is that it can be downloaded to level that would equate a 308 or 30-06 or loaded up to it's full potential.
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You nailed in with your first post SC! 30-06 will never be a bad choice, doesn't matter if you reload or not, plenty of options. With heavy bullets, especially if you reload the 30-06 has an advantage over the 308. With the bullets choices and powder we have today the 30-06 is even better.
 
pete dobinson said:
You nailed in with your first post SC! 30-06 will never be a bad choice, doesn't matter if you reload or not, plenty of options. With heavy bullets, especially if you reload the 30-06 has an advantage over the 308. With the bullets choices and powder we have today the 30-06 is even better.
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I agree ..... I am trying to downsize here (really!! :) ) and could replace 5 rifles I own here with one 30-06 and want for nothing.
 
I have a hard time believing that a 300 wm with 180GR ttsx does devastating meat damage to a deer sized game. It's not a frangible bullet, lol. Does anyone have pics to prove otherwise?
 
WhelanLad said:
Hit it in the Heart/Lung area an it wont matter what ya using, Theres some wisdom in the 5 crucial aspects of Sambar hunting which would carry onto Moose......

1- Shot placement
2- shot placement
3 shot placement
4 a Reasonable cartridge
5 a well constructed bullet for the Task ahead.
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Ye be right on that, but should add " Get in tight & shoot 'em right." Too many folks out there take long shots at game that are beyond the shooters' and/or loads ability to get reliable performance.
;)
 
SHELL SHUCKER said:
Ye be right on that, but should add " Get in tight & shoot 'em right." Too many folks out there take long shots at game that are beyond the shooters' and/or loads ability to get reliable performance.
;)
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I will further add taking low percentage shots should be avoided. Since I started building a single shot I have had many people comment that I must not be shooting at running animals. My answer simply is “never have”.

SCG
 
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