Caliber

Geesh, the guy wants a valid excuse to buy another rifle. Please give him some support!

And everyone knows moose and elk require at least a 30 caliber, with a muzzle velocity over 2700 fps.

At least that's the line I gave the ol' lady.:rolleyes:
 
Zavluk said:
...I am thinking of upping the caliber for increased stopping power as I have moved on from hunting just deer to hunting elk and moose. ...
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As above, you'll stop elk and moose just fine with the 270. A more powerful cartridge really won't help unless you also want to extend your range (and that's another topic).

Also as above, bullet choice will make a bigger difference than a more powerful cartridge. Premium hunting ammunition with heavy-for-caliber bullet weights, or reloading for the same, with premium bullets.
 
I am surprised at the number of posts against a second rifle on this site. Since you already own the 270 and assuming the recoil of a larger rifle is not a factor maybe a .338 one of the 375s or maybe a 9.3x62. I have been carrying a 9.3x62 on Moose hunts as most of my shots at a Moose are less than 150 yards. I like rifles so I own more than two.
 
I think we need more info from the OP. What sort of ranges are we talking? What's your recoil tolerance like? Do you WANT a new rifle, or feel like you need one? Do you hand load?

With the limited info we have, I'd suggest a 300 magnum. 30-06 isn't much of a step up from a 270 (heavier bullets but slower). 338 mags are cool, but ammo is more expensive and harder to find than 300. If you handload there's a lot of great options, I'm looking for something bigger than 30cal like a 338-06, 35 Whelen, or 9.3x62, but pickings are slim for a lefty and I blew my budget (and then some) on handguns this summer so that purchase will have to wait a while...
 
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Zavluk said:
Hey everyone. I got into hunting about 4 years ago and have been shooting a 270 since the beginning. I am thinking of upping the caliber for increased stopping power as I have moved on from hunting just deer to hunting elk and moose. Obviously everyone has preferences, but what has been your ideal caliber on your hunts?
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Sell the 270 and buy a 30-06. Shoot heavier bullets.

Perceived problem solved.
 
I would say you are in the market for a 300 magnum of your flavour. Cost, availability of components/ammo and your ability to handle recoil will set the stage for which one. I have been through probably 20+ different 300 magnums of one sort or another, each one had pros and cons. Some stocks fit well and did a good job of controlling recoil, while others did a terrible job, and you felt every ounce of recoil. If you have the ability to try some makes and models you will have a good opportunity to see what works for you.
 
I think a 270 and a 300 win mag would make a really nice set! Sure a 270 will do the job just fine, but then do dont get to buy another rifle!
 
I think our original poster needs some encouragement.
OP, You already have a good fast, light, fairly flat shooting cartridge. Wonderful for smaller big game and adequate for elk and moose. If you want something that is actually different, consider a cartridge that delivers a substantially heavier/stronger constructed bullet at enough velocity to serve well at "normal" hunting ranges. (That means under 300 yards). The two cartridges I have used and liked for that application are the .35 Whelen / 250 grain bullets and the 9.3x62 / 285 grain bullets. Both are noticeably more effective on moose and elk if heavy bone is hit ( like the humerus/scapula joint ) and give very good penetration on rear angle shots if necessary in the bush. Both are quite manageable and appear to recoil less than a .338 Win Mag. or even some lightweight .300 magnums. Both seem to kill as well as the .375H&H which is also a classic choice, but getting into the "larger than necessary" category. Bot the .35 W and 9.3x62 can be found in rifles with normal action length, standard weight, and normal 22" barrel lengths, unlike many magnum cartridges.
 
Elk and moose are not bullet proof and many many guys and girls use a 270 for them. Most any problem in killing then usually is due to missing because they use a rifle that kicked sighting it in and shoot with their eyes closed hunting almost.
 
I sort of like .270s, despite being more of a 7mm guy. I've lost track of how many Wins I've had, but at the moment I have 2 Wins, 1 WSM and 2 Weatherbys. One of the Weatherbys has more kills assigned to it than a big game hunter in Canada is likely to get in his/her life. Even the Wins which I hunted hard for many years always seemed to be "enough" though they can't hold a candle to a Weatherby. I'm not a hater.

Despite that, a 270 Win is no 300 Mag. It never will be. Bullet performance may not be a great substitute for bullet placement but the reality is its the only one there is. Also I don't know a good shooter who cares about recoil at all; so assuming that shot placement is going to get worse because of higher recoil doesn't make a lot of sense.

The only thing better than a small bullet going fast is a bigger bullet going fast.

Having said that, most newer shooters would gain more by spending the price of a new rifle on ammunition and practice than buying a new rifle.
 
Longwalker said:
I think our original poster needs some encouragement.
OP, You already have a good fast, light, fairly flat shooting cartridge. Wonderful for smaller big game and adequate for elk and moose. If you want something that is actually different, consider a cartridge that delivers a substantially heavier/stronger constructed bullet at enough velocity to serve well at "normal" hunting ranges. (That means under 300 yards). The two cartridges I have used and liked for that application are the .35 Whelen / 250 grain bullets and the 9.3x62 / 285 grain bullets. Both are noticeably more effective on moose and elk if heavy bone is hit ( like the humerus/scapula joint ) and give very good penetration on rear angle shots if necessary in the bush. Both are quite manageable and appear to recoil less than a .338 Win Mag. or even some lightweight .300 magnums. Both seem to kill as well as the .375H&H which is also a classic choice, but getting into the "larger than necessary" category. Bot the .35 W and 9.3x62 can be found in rifles with normal action length, standard weight, and normal 22" barrel lengths, unlike many magnum cartridges.
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Great advice!!
 
I bought a 30-06 as my first gun- cause it would do everything I would every need from coyotes on up to elk/moose. However, as the years progressed and my gun collection continues to grow, I soon realized my thinking while practical and technically correct, was obviously flawed. As a good friend once explained to his wife who questioning his need for a new hunting rifle, "when i go golfing you never ask me why i need more than one club."

Big guns are fun, recoil be damned. As an earlier poster said the .338 just kills better, i agree with this sentiment. .300 works too.
 
Zavluk said:
Hey everyone. I got into hunting about 4 years ago and have been shooting a 270 since the beginning. I am thinking of upping the caliber for increased stopping power as I have moved on from hunting just deer to hunting elk and moose. Obviously everyone has preferences, but what has been your ideal caliber on your hunts?
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7mm-08. Moose taken at 328 yards. One shot. It didn't take two steps and it was down. A quality bullet is of utmost importance.
A 150 grain Hornady in your .270 will do the same thing.

Dennis-and-Moose-1.jpg


Moose-being-cut.jpg


154-Hornady.jpg
 
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