Moose Hunting Rifle - Cow/Calf Only

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Long story short, I wasn't going to be able to go moose hunting this year so I sold .30-06 Remington 700 to finance some things. Situation changed and all of a sudden I could go on the moose hunt. Now I don't have an ideal moose gun to use. My two largest caliber rifle is a pre 64 Winchester Model 94 in .32WS, or I can use my brothers SVT-40 in 7.62x54R. The SVT is the larger caliber and more than sufficient for moose, he has it scoped and it's very accurate (at least out to 100 yards - haven't taken it somewhere to shoot further yet) however, it isn't super reliable. The model 94 isn't scoped, has a smaller caliber, but goes bang every time and never jams. It's nice and light too, perfect brush gun and I like the idea of using it. However, I'm not comfortable taking a shot past 200 yards with it. So I'm torn on which to use. What would you do? Don't forget, only have cow and calf tags.


I can't seem to find an option to make this poll. If a mod could do that I'd really appreciate it.
 
Use the .32 WS... my dad shot a big cow with his at 150 yards... I would be comfortable shooting it on moose at that distance... I shot fifteen deer with the same gun a few were in the 125-150 yard range... iron sights, all shot through the lungs all recovered in short order...
 
Thanks guys, more votes for the .32 than I was expecting, and with some real world experience too. Keep the opinions coming!
Superbrad, that's a mighty kind offer. I'm down in Windsor. What part of the province you from?
 
Depends where and how you're hunting.
If you're hunting the timber clear cuts of northern Ontario from a tree stand where shots of 200, 300, 400 yards are common scratch the w94/32spl off the list.
If you are lucky enough to have a late calling season and you're on the edge of a creek in the thick stuff imitating a horny cow then the w94 would be fine if your shots are 100 yds or less.
Our family heirloom 1949 vintage w94 in 30wcf which I am now the proud owner of has taken perhaps 3 dozen moose and as many deer since it was bought brand new in the box by grampa (RIP) in 1949 for $59.95.
The idea that you need some kinda super duper ultra magnum to take a moose at modest ranges is :bsFlag: .
That w94 though semi-retired in my gun safe kept our family fed with delicious moose meat and venison for many years.
 
Just a quick comment on the title... you lump cows and calves together as though they require a lesser gun than bulls...

Some cows can be much larger than smaller bulls... and I would use the same guns/cartridges on cows that I would on any record book bull... a shot from a particular gun that would kill a cow will kill the bull just as quick and a shot that wounds a bull resulting in a long trailing job... would have the same result twer it a cow... use enough gun and even moreso, place the bullet (or arrow for that matter) well...
 
I regularly hunt with x54R with 203gr soft points. It knocks down things every bit as good as my 30.06. I've used x54r in SVT40, Mosins, M44, and M38, all with open sites. Its a good and reliable round for hunting.
 
I'd use the .32 I guess. But me personally I wouldn't shoot past 100 yards with it.



Remember shoot the calf first. Cow will stick around, Other way around and the calf is gone without a mother.
 
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