It makes no sense that here in Alberta, we can use a 30-06 with 180gr bullets, and yet we can't use a 7mmremmag. My go to rifle is a 7mmstw shooting the 150gr TTSX, which has 800 -900 ftlbs more energy than a 30-06, and the TTSX will penetrate far more than the 30-06 with a typical 180gr cup and core bullet, yet I can't use my 7mmstw for bison.
Anyone ever successfully hunt a Bison? What caliber did you use?
- Thread starter Northern Shooter
- Start date
It makes no sense that here in Alberta, we can use a 30-06 with 180gr bullets, and yet we can't use a 7mmremmag. My go to rifle is a 7mmstw shooting the 150gr TTSX, which has 800 -900 ftlbs more energy than a 30-06, and the TTSX will penetrate far more than the 30-06 with a typical 180gr cup and core bullet, yet I can't use my 7mmstw for bison.
While doing contract work up in NWT I did my share of hunting. Caribou (Barren lands and Woodland), Moose, Bear, Rabbits, bush chickens, fishing etc. I was as close as inside of 50 yards of some very large Bisson. If I were to hunt them I would use either a 300WSM or a 9.3X62. At least that's whats available. I would like to be within 100 yards or so - making sure I had enough ammo to ensure a critical kill. I expect to do this in the next couple of years.
bearkilr
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nowhere, ......just past the middle
Cape buffalo are , by nature, far more aggressive and tougher to put down than a bison, even though they're smaller in stature. Same goes for elk vs moose.
A close friend of mine does a lot (20 or so a year) of shooting for a butcher, (Bison). The bison are basically wild, in very large pastures, you can not get close. Basically you go out in the argo and from 100-150 yards you shoot one. (I know, its not hunting but the killing is the same). He owns pretty much every caliber there is, and has used most, but he loves the 9.3x62 with 320gr woodleighs for this task, he says it works the best. These are headshots not heart/lungs.
Yea for Sure ! - But we have people making up LAWs in this country that know FUK All ! jmo RJ
Back to the OP my brother took a Bison in 2003 with his 7 Rem Mag with a handloaded Hornady 175 Interlock . he pumped one thru the lungs and it ran off a bit and then another one into it again a bit after as it was still standing there . The second toppled it over . GREAT meat �� RJ
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
The regulation synopsis still lists 2800 joules for Polar Bear. That's in the Wildlife Big Game Hunting Regulations under s 5(3). If I'm reading it right, it may have been changed in 2014.
I will be trying to connect with one this winter, I will be carrying my 9.3x62 286gn Swift Aframe going 2450fps and my wife will be carrying her 30-06 with 200 mega or Aframe going around 2600fps….
Hmmm better start playing with that 30-06 and those bullets!!
Hmmm better start playing with that 30-06 and those bullets!!
I'm planning for late 2024, 1000-1400lb Bull. Will bring one of two, if not both of the following rifles and loads, depending on the hunting situation.
Savage Model 16 Bear Hunter in .325 WSM ( 220gr SGK at 2900fps)
Marlin 1895CB with tang peep sight in .45-70, 405 gr Wide Meplat Hard Cast at 1850fps.
Can't wait!!!
Savage Model 16 Bear Hunter in .325 WSM ( 220gr SGK at 2900fps)
Marlin 1895CB with tang peep sight in .45-70, 405 gr Wide Meplat Hard Cast at 1850fps.
Can't wait!!!
browning525
Member
- Location
- Brooks, AB
I was fortunate enough to be drawn for the Zama hunt (Northern Alberta) the first year.
My rifle choice for that hunt was a merkel SxS in 9.3x74R using 286 gr Nosler partitions.
My first shot at about 70 yards was aimed at what I thought to be that sweet spot just behind the front leg. The bull had spotted me and wandered just inside the tree line, so all I could see were parts of the animal. As it turned out, the brisket bone was so big that I caught just the top of it and only did minor damage. My second shot was on the run (quartering) and the heavy bullet literally caught a rib and skidded along the outside of the rib cage, just opening the hide 12-14 inches. After a major tracking run, I finally caught up to it at 120 yards and at this time being slightly frustrated, made a broadside shot aimed dead center to the chest cavity. Turns out the feather bones and the hump are so large, "dead center" put me just at the underside of the spine above the heart and lungs, and the bull dropped in its tracks.
Marginal or quartering shots just shouldn't be taken with these creatures. Always wait for that perfect broadside for bullet placement. That 9.3 should have been more than adequate, had I waited for a better first shot.
Fun facts after the hard work: the skinned out head weighed 138 lbs and the hide 142 lbs. The skinned and dressed carcass was 1050 lbs. I own and operate a small butcher shop, and all these weights were from a certified scale.
My rifle choice for that hunt was a merkel SxS in 9.3x74R using 286 gr Nosler partitions.
My first shot at about 70 yards was aimed at what I thought to be that sweet spot just behind the front leg. The bull had spotted me and wandered just inside the tree line, so all I could see were parts of the animal. As it turned out, the brisket bone was so big that I caught just the top of it and only did minor damage. My second shot was on the run (quartering) and the heavy bullet literally caught a rib and skidded along the outside of the rib cage, just opening the hide 12-14 inches. After a major tracking run, I finally caught up to it at 120 yards and at this time being slightly frustrated, made a broadside shot aimed dead center to the chest cavity. Turns out the feather bones and the hump are so large, "dead center" put me just at the underside of the spine above the heart and lungs, and the bull dropped in its tracks.
Marginal or quartering shots just shouldn't be taken with these creatures. Always wait for that perfect broadside for bullet placement. That 9.3 should have been more than adequate, had I waited for a better first shot.
Fun facts after the hard work: the skinned out head weighed 138 lbs and the hide 142 lbs. The skinned and dressed carcass was 1050 lbs. I own and operate a small butcher shop, and all these weights were from a certified scale.
