.284 , .308 or .358 for Moose

[88 man]

Hi Guys
I'm going to give moose hunting another try this fall.The rifles I have for choosing are Winchester Model 88 or 100's in .284,.308 and .358.Which would be the better choice for all conditions when hunting ?.I think the .284 has a longer range than the other two cals but don't know about hitting power ?.All ammo are factory loads as I don't reload for any of these.The last time I moose hunted I carried my Winchester 100 in .358 as I was only shooting about 150yrds.I may end up with shots out to about 350 yrds this year.
Any help is greatfull
88

 

[prosper]

They'll all work fine, I'd say it's pretty much a toss-up.

I'd probably go with the 284 slinging 160-ish grainers if I seriously anticipated 350 yard shots.

 

[DarrylDB]

My personal favourite would be the 358 win...


If I had to poke 350, none will help you unless you've spent some time shooting @ 350 yards.
In that case, whichever you can hit targets the most consistently with...
All three will kill a swamp donkey at 0-350 yards...

 

[303carbine]

All will take big game, but the 284 will probably shoot flatter. The 358 will make a bigger hole and the 308 will do the rest of the time.

 

[ben hunchak]

I'd pick the biggest caliber... the .358 or combine two of them for a really neat wildcat....a .35/284.

 

[senior]

Yep 358 & some practice at the range you may be shooting.
The 284 loses to much velocity due to larger bullets intruding into powder space.

 

[Longwalker]

The 358 is nearly ideal for moose. If you find a moose too far away, stalk closer! The big bullet and moderate velocity gives a slight edge in penetration and ability to break bone without stopping or deflecting. I've killed several moose with both 30 & 35 cal's and partners have used the 7mm's, the 35's a re just a little bit better IMO. The only factory load available is the Winchester 200 gr. silvertip, but it's a good one. My brother uses it for all his elk hunting.

 

[todbartell]

284 factory ammo sucks...as does 358

go with the 308, and load a premium 165 grain bullet.

 

[CoryTheCowboy]

I'd be going with the .358

 

[Rick Teal]

All would be excellent choices, however, I have a thing for the .35s and my choice would be the .358.

 

[moose_hunter]

All are good i love the 284 myself

 

[eamon]

choose which ever one shoots the cheapest and most available ammo, you only need 1 box unless you want to practice lots. and then shoot the moose in the right spot and he will die. Simple

 

[Amphibious]

choose which ever one shoots the cheapest and most available ammo, you only need 1 box unless you want to practice lots.

yup, just make sure at least half your shots hit the pie plate @ 50yrds before you head to camp too. always aim at the hump if it's a long way out

 

[tracker]

284 in case you cannot get closer.

 

[Huntsman]

I would choose the .308 cal personally. Whatever the decision you make, they're all adequate cal.'s.
Since my model 88 is in .308, that's what I 'd choose. Mine likes a 165gr Sierra Game King and 42grs Varget(clover leafs @ 100yds).

 

[88 man]

All 3 rifles I'm deciding on can shoot 1" and less at 100 yrs with factory loads.I would'nt think 2x shooting anything with these out to 300 yrds any given day.I do really like the model 100 in 358 I had built so that may end up the main gun and the 284 as a backup.
88

 

[lookout]

284 factory ammo sucks...as does 358

go with the 308, and load a premium 165 grain bullet.

agreed, but I like the 180grainers and I like the HE rounds from one of the various manufacturers (federal right now). Gives a little extra punch but more importantly, a little less drop at 350 yards - ballistics and terminal performance like a .30-06.
You don't need more power then a .308 to knock a moose down.

 

[bruteman]

The only one of those I've used is a 308.It did the job cleanly.Placement is the key.

 

[iceman2]

I agreee with the majority about the 358. I would suggest a few practice shots at 300 yds to make sure.

 

[wetcoaster]

All 3 rifles I'm deciding on can shoot 1" and less at 100 yrs with factory loads.I would'nt think 2x shooting anything with these out to 300 yrds any given day.I do really like the model 100 in 358 I had built so that may end up the main gun and the 284 as a backup.
88

I mean no disrespect but 350 yards is a long shot. If you can consistantly make that shot great but shooting at the range with a perfect rest and all the time in the world to squeeze off groups is very different then standing on your two pegs after a stalk in minus temperatures when your excited.

Go to the range and shoot a 3 shot group with each of those rifles from realistic hunting positions and if you can keep your shots in an 8-10 inch radius at 300 yards great you can have confidence in your shooting if not at least you'll know your limitations.

The rifle you should take - the one you can carry all day and still consistantly shoot the best from hunting positions with. For me that choice (among my rifles at least) is very different than the one I can shoot the smallest groups with off the bench.

Good luck and I hope you come home with some great table fair.