Best Moose Caliber
- Thread starter JasonG61
- Start date
FWIW .... I'm taking a 275Rigby and 280Remington moose hunting this yr. Probably use 160gr NPs in both. The 280 will be for backup and/ or for rainy days.
I've shot just four moose in the past with 308, 35Whelen and 375magnum. All died.
I've shot just four moose in the past with 308, 35Whelen and 375magnum. All died.
Interesting equation .... My 275R load with 160gr NP comes in at 1134 HITS.
"Joule Gun" ...... Sounds futuristic.
As others have mentioned shot placement is #1, however bullet energy at point of impact is another factor. 1500ft/ lbs at the point of impact has been the norm for an ethical kill on a moose. With larger more powerful calibres, newer technology in ammo and optics, longer shots are being taken. Know your ballistics, stay in range ( which most shots are) and go for the boiler room.
One of the main take-aways from this thread should be using quality ammunition and a well suited projectile. I know plenty of game has fallen to the likes of Federal Blue Box and Winchester Power Points, but I've also heard many tales of blood trails gone cold and wounded animals getting away.
I've had really good luck with Nosler Accubonds on moose, although I'm also optimistic about Barnes Tipped Triple Shocks in certain calibres.
Have seen Sierra GameKings drop a 54" bull from a 30-06 about 175 yards out, hunting buddy Bob did his part on that one with terrific shot placement.
If you ever get into handloading your own ammo, you can tailor the loadings to get the specific performance you desire out of your calibre of choice.
I've had really good luck with Nosler Accubonds on moose, although I'm also optimistic about Barnes Tipped Triple Shocks in certain calibres.
Have seen Sierra GameKings drop a 54" bull from a 30-06 about 175 yards out, hunting buddy Bob did his part on that one with terrific shot placement.
If you ever get into handloading your own ammo, you can tailor the loadings to get the specific performance you desire out of your calibre of choice.
I find it ironic that the grave majority of so called bullet failures, the wounded critter is never found, and automatically the bullet blew up is used to explain the lost game.
First, any moose shot behind the shoulder in the lung/heart cavity will be dead regardless of the bullet used, yes gang even a .22 rim fire can do this.
Second. Why do people insist of drilling moose in the front shoulder?
of the dozen or so moose I’ve seen shot with Sierra Gamekings, Berger VLD’s, and Nosler Ballistic tips, there was only one maybe 2 shots taken(2nd being a finisher in the neck) and surprisingly most of the moose had exit wounds too.
I won’t get into the caliber vs. Cartridge debate, but it needs to be highlighted, because let’s face it just like shooting, precision results come from precise preparation.
First, any moose shot behind the shoulder in the lung/heart cavity will be dead regardless of the bullet used, yes gang even a .22 rim fire can do this.
Second. Why do people insist of drilling moose in the front shoulder?
of the dozen or so moose I’ve seen shot with Sierra Gamekings, Berger VLD’s, and Nosler Ballistic tips, there was only one maybe 2 shots taken(2nd being a finisher in the neck) and surprisingly most of the moose had exit wounds too.
I won’t get into the caliber vs. Cartridge debate, but it needs to be highlighted, because let’s face it just like shooting, precision results come from precise preparation.
Is that at the muzzle?
I love the numbers of shooting all on their own and comparing relative data is part of the enjoyment for me. While I think Chuck Hawks KPS is a better formula overall then HITS it is cool to look at.
HITS for 450 marlin with 300gr Barnes Original (.204 SD). Velocities from labradar, MPBR (6 inch) of 230 yds zeroed at 196.
muzzle: 1482
100yd: 1309
200yd: 1148
300yd: 1001 (13.5 in of drop)
Regardless, perfect moose medicine.
I've shot them with 7mm Rem Mag, 35 Whelen, and 416 Rem Mag. Would like to get one in the future with an iron sighted .303, a or a 6.5x55 Swedish. Hardest ove I've ever seen fall though was when I took my buddy out a few seasons back and he leveled one with his 7mm-08 and 140 grain corlokts.
Funny how that works sometimes eh? You'd think one of the first three would be the obvious candidate for making them drop hard.
