Big Game Calibers...

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ACsHouse

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I was wondering what the minimum caliber(s) are ethically used for big game no smaller than moose. In the past I have only used .308, but was wondering if 7.62x54 would be alright, specifically for moose in Northern Ontario. I've just picked up hunting as my new hobby, and am trying to do things right. I appreciate any help.

Regards,
AC
 
Welcome to CGN AC.... your gonna like it here.

What is considered ethical to some is considered heresy to others....
That said I would consider anything over and including a .270 acceptable for Moose or anything else you might encounter in Northern Ontario.
 
Unless you're hunting Grizzly or African game, .308, 30-06 are great calibres.

If you wanted anything with more punch, go 300 Win Mag, .338 Win mag.
 
Since the 7.62x54R sits right between the 308 and the 30-06 performance-wise, there is no reason why you could not use it effectively for moose. If you have an accurate M-N, go hunting, pick your shot, and you'll have no problems at all. Regards, Eagleye.
 
25 caliber is the minimum you'd want to consider. the 25-06 loaded with a good premium 120 gr. bullet like a Nosler Partition will kill moose. Better yet is a 6.5 with a 140 gr. or 160 gr., or a 270 with a 150 or 160 gr. bullet.

Ideally a 7mm w/ 160 or 175 gr. is good moose medicine, or a 30 cal with 165 gr. or 180-200 gr.
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Thanks for all your help. I now have a lot more to consider. Also, thanks for the welcome BIGREDD, and rest assured, I already love this website. I have to admit that the name of the website kept me away for a bit, until I started to read the forums, and discovered that the majority of the members aren't really "nutz", they just love spreading their passion and knowledge. Thanks again guys, and I'm sure when I get a little more experience under my belt, I might actually be able to reply to other's questions.

Have a great day guys!

Regards,
AC
 
What I look at is not just cartridge requirements, However sectional density, Balistic Coeficiantcy, and velocity all equate to energy.
I think this is key as well my min requiremants would be a 6.5mm with velocity in the 2700 range and energy close or exceeding the 2000 Ft Lbs at ranges to 200-250 yards.
There are alot of magnum cartridges that will do better in the 6.5 cal range such as the 264 WM, but this is a starting point for me . I would generaly take a battery such as a 300 wm, 30-378 or 338 WM for a moose hunting trip.
It can be done with less and has many times but you can't go wrong with the above mentioned cartridges, and a good 30 cal bullet.
 
you could keep things real simple and just get a 30-06 and shoot 180 gr. Nosler Partitions. rifle make and model of your choice, mounted with a 3-9x scope that costs as much as you can afford to spend. you will enjoy carrying and using your rifle that is for sure.
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If used Surgically a .243 is a fine Moose rifle. you have to ask yourself, are you willing to accept the limitations of using such a small caliber? low margin for error, surgicall placement, low impact energy at longer ranges.

as said above it;s really hard to go wrong with a .30-06 boltgun with a good 3-9x40mm glass on top.

you have a .308 already? why worry about another rifle? watched a .308 drop 2 moose just fine last season.

above all else, MOOSE DON'T NEED A MAGNUM. if anything choose larger diameter over speed.
 
JasonYuke said:
There are alot of magnum cartridges that will do better in the 6.5 cal range such as the 264 WM, but this is a starting point for me . I would generaly take a battery such as a 300 wm, 30-378 or 338 WM for a moose hunting trip.
It can be done with less and has many times but you can't go wrong with the above mentioned cartridges, and a good 30 cal bullet.
Click to expand...

have personally seen 9 moose fall down. .308win, .30-06, .270wim, .300mag, 7mm mag and .458 mag.

the only difference in the way they died was meat damage. Moose don't need a magnum.
 
The minimum for moose is a .338, a 30-06 will do it under ideal conditions, a 270 might do it if everything else is in your favour, a 25-06 might do it if its your lucky day. Use enough gun, a moose is a big animal.
 
Johan22 said:
The minimum for moose is a .338, a 30-06 will do it under ideal conditions, a 270 might do it if everything else is in your favour, a 25-06 might do it if its your lucky day. Use enough gun, a moose is a big animal.
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have you ever shot a moose? or did you just finish reading a Craig Boddington article? :rolleyes:
 
Everything from a .22 rim fire up to a .500 BMG will kill a moose.

With that said anything from a .270 with premium bullets up will work well, just put the bullet through both lungs.

If given only one choice I would use a 30-06 with a quality 180 grain bullet.
 
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