Advice on Moose rifle

Moose don't seem to be impressed with muzzle velocity or energy figures. I don't beleive a high velocity .30 caliber is any noticeable advantage over your .308 to 250 yds. More penetration IS an advantage IMHO. I really like a .35 whelen with 250 grain controlled expansion bullets ( I moslty use Grand Slam) Noticeably less recoil than the .338 and better at breaking bone & still penetrating than the faster magnums like the 300's and 7mm. I've killed about 10 elk and moose with the .35 W, and five or six with the.308/180 grain. I have journal records of each kill if you want to get real serious. I don't think you don't need more speed than the 2500 fps either one can give you. Both work, but I think the .35 works a little bit better. I'd feel the same about a 9.3x62 or 338-06 with heavy bullets.
 
My three moose calibers:
45/70 (350 gr) <100 yd
308 (165 gr) < 250 yd
300WM (200 gr) >100 yd

I usually take two rifles with me - 45/70 plus either the 308 or the 300WM. At our camp, we do have open area ranged up to 375 yd. Due to the extra 4" longer barrel of the 300WM it is not very handy for fast action.

Danny
 
John Y Cannuck said:
There is absolutely nothing wrong with a 308 for moose.
We use them all the time at Camp.
But, if you ever get to try a 338WM, you won't be dissapointed. Awesome cartridge, and no moose, properly hit, will go far after a 338WM hit.
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I concuur. One of my buddies picked up a .300win mag, so now he boasts that a .308 is a little "light" for moose. "With the .300 Win Mag, you'll KNOW you hit him!" Sorry Jackass....you should KNOW you hit him anyway.

Personally, I love the .308 and can sit on a range with it all day. The .338 win mag is also a beautiful cartridge. I've used a .300 win mag, and didn't find it very comfortable, especially for shooting lots of rounds at the range, but that could have just been the gun in particular.

SO...In closing, a .308 works dandy with not as much recoil. The .338 is a beauty with tons of smacking power. The .300, well, if you like it...giv'r!

OR.....go with a .458 LOTT and then you can go to Africa after for a rhino hunt!!
 
You'll get a ton of different opinions on that one !

Killed a bunch with the .308 but switched about 15 years ago to
the .35 Whelan. No regrets. Like them 250 grain Hornady RN reloads
with RL-15 powder !

Haven't had one make it much over 25 yards yet, and several went
trotters up right in their tracks.
 
Boy, lots of opinions, but still pondering! I like the idea of a 338-06 or .35 whelen, just no rifles available in the config I want, all-weather.

I was talking to my buddy about this subject the other day, and he shook his head when I told him I dealt the .300WM. He said he'd never go without a .300WM, and I asked him how many years he's hunted moose. He replied "10 years". Then I asked how many shots he's taken at moose. He says "none:redface: " They always get a moose, just not him doing the shooting.

This is why I'm debating, is it worth spending another $1200 for a few shots, maybe over 300yds, maybe never that far??

I think I'll try the .308 with TSX and Partitions and go from there. Has anyone used Accubonds on moose in .30 cal??
 
.300 or .338

Well if you go .338, make sure its a Win-mag. Personally I dont think the extra " roar" of the Ultra-mag line are worth it, again this is my personal opinion. Recently sold my .338WM 700 Remington and my biggest calibre now are a couple of .300 H&H's.
 
I personally have shot moose with a variety of calibers. A 300wm used to be my favorite with 200 grain handloads. Worked well, but at the ranges that moose are shot at, it damaged a lot of meat. I tried a 444 marlin with 300 grain speer handloads and found this to work phenominally. Longest shot with this load was 175 paces and the moose only went about 20 feet after being hit. I shot one with the .45-70 in a guide gun and was impressed with what a 405 grain handload could do too. I have a .338 rem ultra mag and want to shoot a moose with it, but I wouldn't pretend that you need that much gun for a moose that is usually at close range. Moose usually go down fairly easy with a shot to the boiler room. If the moose is running when you begin shooting, then it will take a fair amount of lead. With any animal, shot placement is the key.
 
jurban said:
308 is a great round for killing moose 180 gr NP bullet will get the job done.
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Been there, done that...a crap load of times!:D You can never go wrong with 180 gr Nosler Partition!
 
Thanks for all the replies. I'm thinking .308 handloads will do the job, but if I come across a good deal on somthing larger, you never know;)
 
saskcop said:
I personally have shot moose with a variety of calibers. A 300wm used to be my favorite with 200 grain handloads. Worked well, but at the ranges that moose are shot at, it damaged a lot of meat. I tried a 444 marlin with 300 grain speer handloads and found this to work phenominally. Longest shot with this load was 175 paces and the moose only went about 20 feet after being hit. I shot one with the .45-70 in a guide gun and was impressed with what a 405 grain handload could do too. I have a .338 rem ultra mag and want to shoot a moose with it, but I wouldn't pretend that you need that much gun for a moose that is usually at close range. Moose usually go down fairly easy with a shot to the boiler room. If the moose is running when you begin shooting, then it will take a fair amount of lead. With any animal, shot placement is the key.
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I use some similar equipment. With my Schultz & Larsen .308 Norma Mag I use Sierra 200gr B.T. handloads when I anticipate longer ranges to 'reach out and touch' the big one, Moose. I have used the 444 Marlin on Moose and wasn't too pleased with the results with the factory 240gr. and handloads using the Hornady 265gr was a definate improvement. With my 1895 Marlin GS in .45-70, I haven't had the opportunity to 'try' it on game yet but accuracy wise I've had good results handloading the Speer 400gr. FN.
 
I really think you need a .35 Whelen to lay moose down with authority. All other calibres wish they could be a .35 Whelen when they grow up.
 
wetcoaster said:
I agree .308 with a good bullet and go get some meat! No need to buy another gun. I can't believe I just said that!:eek:
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You have to think along different lines.;) Example, nice day Deer gun, rainy day Deer gun, nice day Moose gun, rainy day Moose gun etc etc etc. See what I mean?:D :D
 
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