Big game cartridge choice?

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CanadianMac

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Im in the market for a new bolt action for N.A. big game with the option of grizzlies but mainly moose, caribou, elk. I'm not a reloader and have no interest in wildcats or custom rounds. That said, being able to buy the ammo is important.

Im leaning towards the 338 Lapua or 338 Win Mag.

After i chose the caliber the next choice is the rifle.!

Thoughtful input and advice is most welcome. Thanks everyone.
 
338 WM for the ammo availability, it will be the best of the bigger stuff for finding in stores, what province you hunt?

If you were more into the grizzly end of stuff I'd say 375 H&H.
 
If being able to readily buy ammunition is important, then 338 Win Mag over 338 Lapua. Do some research about 300 Win Mag with 200 grain - that would likely meet your requirements as well. Even 300 Win Mag 180 (Partition, A-Frame) would be fine for "grizzly" - as found in Alberta and interior B.C. - most anything up to at least 1,500 lbs or so will die quickly with a 180/200/225/250 grain expanding bullet through the boiler room and out the other side...
 
Any one of the .338's is the right choice. My personal choice is a .338 RUM in a Model 700 LSS that will shoot MOA if you do your part. Hits like a freight train. With any of the .338's, it is a good idea to handload, and that being said, you will never be without ammo if you load enough and pack enough of it to start with.
 
Yes 375 is better then 338 but I think 338 w m is better all around. 338 with triple shock will do exelen jib on moose and anything that size. One thing I will say to stay away from Nosler potition!im sure there will be a lot of people who will say I'm full of it but they are to soft for big suff. Moose, elk is fine but I know that 260 grain going 2800 fps at 200 hundred yards on big Buffalo makes a nice hole in a shoulder but that's all. That is where it stops! Triple shock did always good for me.
So I would say 338 with a good bullet would be my choice for all around.
 
CanadianMac said:
Im in the market for a new bolt action for N.A. big game with the option of grizzlies but mainly moose, caribou, elk. I'm not a reloader and have no interest in wildcats or custom rounds. That said, being able to buy the ammo is important.

Im leaning towards the 338 Lapua or 338 Win Mag.

After i chose the caliber the next choice is the rifle.!

Thoughtful input and advice is most welcome. Thanks everyone.
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.300 win mag or .300 wsm. Both will do with lots of room to spare on the critters you mentioned.
 
Any of the 300 mags with 200 gn bullets will work on everything NA has to offer, including the bears and bison. Although not necessarily the ultimate cartridge for the biggest of the big bears it will suffice in 99% of hunting situations. I consider the 300 mags to be far superior to the 338 WM and 300 WM ammo is as common as 30-06 and 270 in the stores.
 
Thanks for the input so far everyone. But, finding Ruger 375 here in Ontario is impossible, most stores i go to carry both 338 WM and LM. I hunt here in Ontario but will hunt in Newfoundland, Alberta and eventually make it over to Namibia (not dangerous game too expensive for me). I have looked at the ballistics of the 300 RUM as well very impressive but that ammo seems to be discontinued in most the stores i shop in. I dont want to buy a rifle and then find it impossible to get ammo readily. I'm definitely not set on the 338's but so far feel they have the best combo of; long range capabilitiy, lots of gun makers chamber these rounds, knock down power and ability to ind ammo.

But hey, i posted this to get opinions to make my decision.

Thx
 
I just can't believe all the terrible poor information given on this thread!
Your rifle for most north American game, one you will use factory ammunition in, should in no way, be a belted magnum. The ammunition will run $4 a pop for some of the magnums suggested. I'm sure he will practice enough with heavy recoiling guns at that price for ammo to be a good game shot!
A 30-06 fills the bill perfectly for him.
Oh, you said he might hunt grizzly? It has been calculated that more grizzly and Alaskan brown bear, have been killed with a 30-06 than any other calibre!
'Nuff said.
 
c-fbmi said:
Any of the 300 mags with 200 gn bullets will work on everything NA has to offer, including the bears and bison. Although not necessarily the ultimate cartridge for the biggest of the big bears it will suffice in 99% of hunting situations. I consider the 300 mags to be far superior to the 338 WM and 300 WM ammo is as common as 30-06 and 270 in the stores.
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H4831 said:
I just can't believe all the terrible poor information given on this thread! Your rifle for most north American game, one you will use factory ammunition in, should in no way, be a belted magnum. The ammunition will run $4 a pop for some of the magnums suggested. I'm sure he will practice enough with heavy recoiling guns at that price for ammo to be a good game shot! A 30-06 fills the bill perfectly for him. Oh, you said he might hunt grizzly? It has been calculated that more grizzly and Alaskan brown bear, have been killed with a 30-06 than any other calibre! 'Nuff said.
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Either of the .300WM or .30-06 will be fine, with readily available ammunition.
 
Re-think the 338 Lapua or 338 Win Mag. Both are far more cartridge than is needed for anything, including Yogi. In addition, the Lapua is horrendously expensive($78.95 per 10 at SFRC and sold out.) and not available everywhere. The Win might be in small places, but the Lapua will not.
You don't need any magnum for any game in North America. Big bears included. Like H4831 says, the .30-06 and its cousins(.308, .270, etc) will kill any game you care to hunt. And be a lot more fun(as in less painful) to shoot on a range.
 
I appreciate the advice but i'm looking for a caliber North America big game as well as Africa. A 30-06 is not something i'm considering, i have a 308 now which I'm quite happy with.
 
When Africa is on the bill, then a person has to take a serious look at the .375's. The H&H is easily manageable by just about anyone. Classic caliber too.
 
I'd personally go with a 300WM or 338WM, and I'd shy away for the Lapua simply due to cost/availability/available hunting rifle configurations (unless you're going custom). If it were me, I'd be picking up a 300WM for now, then start putting some $$$$ away until an Africa trip is planned and you feel like treating yourself to something big.
 
North America or Africa plains game, the 30-06 will enough cartridge for you. If you do decide on the 338 Win. Mag or the 338 Lapua Mag., don't be a sissy and install a muzzle brake.:d
 
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