moose hunting with the M14s?

would you shoot a moose with a bolt action .308?


M14 wouldn't be my first choice. it's a semi, heavy as ####, and gross milsup.

it wouldn't be my last choice though!
 
trucker Rob said:
Has any one gone hunting with there M14s? Would this gun be ok to hunt moose with?
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The gun and caliber are both fine for moose. However, the Norinco M14 models are meant to chamber target rounds and bullet weights of 150gr, maybe 165gr. Don't use factory hunting loads, especially hi power ones and bullet weights of 180gr or more. There are other members who can explain this better than I can, or you can do a search in the stickies for the M14.
 
I carried one for 3 years and shoot 2 deer with it went clean through both of them, lots of fire power. The only down fall would be the weight, after a week in the bush with one you be trading it for a 30-30,or dragging it around by the sling.
 
Sure!

I'ts a .308 and any .308 is moose medicine....

It might be a little heavy, but whatever.90% of moose are shot within walking distance of a road.
 
If you want to do it go ahead. First thing though is to load some suitable ammo to make sure the heavy expanding bullets will function and shoot accurately in your particular rifle. Avoid powders slower than 4064 to avoid op-rod damage, although this to some extent limits the performance of bullets in the 180+gr range.

If your rifle is a Norinco, for hunting or for general use, I would open up the peep sight. It's too small for anything but target shooting and has lots of meat around it so strength isn't an issue. If you intend to scope the rifle this is less important, but I would do it anyway.

As for the weight, anyone who can carry a full wood Lee Enfield, a M-17/P-14 Enfield, a 1903 Springfield, or an unmodified military Mauser all day won't have a problem with an M-14. All of these rifles are heavier than modern sporters, but they have all done yeoman service in the game fields of the world.
 
I've shot two deer with the M14 and I would use it for moose with the proper bullet. Some people get stuck on needing a "heavier" bullet, but I think a well constructed moose bullet in the 150 grain range would work fine.

Cheers
Jay
 
Jay said:
I've shot two deer with the M14 and I would use it for moose with the proper bullet. Some people get stuck on needing a "heavier" bullet, but I think a well constructed moose bullet in the 150 grain range would work fine.

Cheers
Jay
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While I find it hard to disagree with you here, a well constructed 150 gr moose bullet is a premium, and it is generally conceded that premiums are not necessary at .308 velocities. This discussion has gone round and round a few times, but speaking in general terms, traditional lead core jacketed expanding bullets that are heavier tend to penetrate a little deeper, upset a little larger and are not an unreasonable choice to make on an animal that potentially weighs in at half a ton.

There is no reason why a 180 gr lead core bullet would not stabilize in a 1:12 barrel, and there is an argument to be made that the lighter powder charges necessary for heavier bullets are easier on the M-14 rifle's action than are the typical 144-147 gr military loads or 150 gr civilian loads, provided that a powder within the appropriate burning rate is chosen.
 
Boomer said:
traditional lead core jacketed expanding bullets that are heavier tend to penetrate a little deeper, upset a little larger and are not an unreasonable choice to make on an animal that potentially weighs in at half a ton.
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I totally agree, there are "better" setups, but the M14 shooting 150's that were designed for larger game, should do the job well.

Cheers
Jay
 
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