Another moose rifle question

[freddyfour]

I got an invite for my first moose hunt this fall and I am feeling a little under gunned.

I have three rifles that may fit the bill and I can reload for all three.

First off is a Winchester 1894 30-30, I do have dies for 30-30 but haven't started reloading for it yet because I have a couple hundred factory rounds still kicking around.

Second is a Rossi 92 45 Colt that I only reload for, my loads are:
250gr cast( way to weak for moose) 7.4gr Unique
300gr hard cast with 21.5gr H110
340CCgr hard cast with 23gr H110 (possible 100yd for moose?)

Third is a Savage 10FP in .260, right now I only load Amax for paper punching.

Thoughts on these three chamberings as a moose rifle from some experienced guys would be appreciated!

I know there are better calibers out there but this is what I have and I am not sure if I can swing another rifle this year and afford all my hunting and fishing trips.

Thanks

 

[Bowie]

I personally would use the .260 loaded with a 140 grain Partition, Barnes.

 

[freddyfour]

I was thinking the .260, my only complaint is it is a heavy a$$ rifle. But it would give me more accuracy and a little more range as well.

 

[Pathfinder]

I was thinking the .260, my only complaint is it is a heavy a$$ rifle. But it would give me more accuracy and a little more range as well.

It aint light but it will give you some distance, swap the amax for a hunting bullet of the same weight and shoot a few groups to test. if you're hunting in some thick woods, I would bring the 45LC along.

 

[freddyfour]

10-4, will do some new load development for the .260 and try and find some partitions. I think most of moose country in Ontario is fairly thick, guys said most moose seen are under 100yds and it is in area 61. Is there any worry about the 45Colt not expanding like a traditional bullet or is the size of the .452 and the weight and energy enough to make up for the lack of expansion?

 

[blargon]

If you are going to be hunting moose every year, I'd look for a used .308 or .30-06 in the EE.

If not the .30-30 will work fine for wmu 61, as most shots will be under 100yds..

 

[Potshot21]

If your hunting in thick woods where shots over 100 yards are very few and far between, I'd take the 30-30. But otherwise, the .260 with a good quality hunting bullet will do.

A 30-06 would be even better yet though...

 

[MACC's Daddy]

I have to agree with blargon and potshot21 the .260 would work for moose up close (under 150 yrds). Also agree with their position on if you plan to do more moose hunting a rifle upgrade to 308/30-06 would be an improvemnet.

 

[Splatter]

.30-30 would be my first choice in your shoes. The .260 would be a great choice if you were stand-hunting, and don't bother working-up a load for it, just buy factory and sight-in with that.
Moose are big; but not terribly hard to kill. Elk are tough, moose, not so much.

 

[SuperCub]

If you are going to be hunting moose every year, I'd look for a used .308 or .30-06 in the EE.

Ding, ding ..... Right answer!


.

 

[freddyfour]

If you are going to be hunting moose every year, I'd look for a used .308 or .30-06 in the EE.

If not the .30-30 will work fine for wmu 61, as most shots will be under 100yds..

I will be looking for a more appropriate moose rifle for next year but I just have to many other expenses this year in the hunting and fishing department. I would rather wait until I can buy a quality rifle and use what I already have then buy something cheap.

 

[captonion]

If you are hunting the thick stuff, that old 30-30 is as good as any..If your shots are beyond 100 the .260 will work just fine out to a couple hundred...

I got an extra box of 150 Barnes sarfires if needed, to load for that 30-30 if interested.

 

[Wrong Way]

Dont listen to the 30 cal or bust crowd....I've taken plenty of moose at all ranges with a 7/08 (twin to the 260) launching 140 TSX's. The moose isn't gonna be able to tell the 260 is .048" smaller than the .308

 

[kamlooky]

I was thinking the .260, my only complaint is it is a heavy a$$ rifle. But it would give me more accuracy and a little more range as well.

If you need to pack this heavy arse rifle around all day, take the terdy turdy along as well for a back up.
You may just get tired of hauling the pea shooter and it wouldn't hurt to
have another option.

 

[thumper1]

50cal or maybe a 416 wby theres no replacement for displacment

 

[8mmpeter]

30-30 is fine for Ontario bush.

 

[blargon]

Dont listen to the 30 cal or bust crowd....I've taken plenty of moose at all ranges with a 7/08 (twin to the 260) launching 140 TSX's. The moose isn't gonna be able to tell the 260 is .048" smaller than the .308

I would have no problem using the .260, but the OP's rifle is 12lbs sans scope...

 

[blasted_saber]

I'd have zero problems shooting a moose with LeverEvolution ammo from the 3030 out to 150m.

 

[hakx]

Moose aren't tough to drop. Take your 30-30.

 

[freddyfour]

If you need to pack this heavy arse rifle around all day, take the terdy turdy along as well for a back up.
You may just get tired of hauling the pea shooter and it wouldn't hurt to
have another option.

This sounds like my best option.

I would have no problem using the .260, but the OP's rifle is 12lbs sans scope...

It's not that bad, 12.4lbs scoped but unloaded

Any more thoughts on 45Colt? She is loaded to about the 44mag with a hell of a heavy bullet.