Moose question

Leif Cott

Leif Cott

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So looks like I will going moose hunting in the fall... Now the question, I have two rifle choices .308 or .25-06. Which would you use and why? I shoot 110gr. accubonds out of the 25-06, I feel the 25-06 has more power than the 308 but, that is just my opinion, would much prefer to have some input from some guys or gals that have used either of these cartridges on moose before. Thanks
 
Having to choose between those two options, .308 with a 180 gr. Nosler partition.

I know I'm going to get an argument from umpteen million people who have shot mice, elephants, and everything in between with a .25/06, but in my opinion it's strictly a proportional proposition... the bigger the animal, the bigger the gun. It's a matter of having respect for the animal you're hunting and having some margin for error when things go wrong.
 
My first moose was with a 308, and that's because my dad used one for 30 years. I'd say in Quebec, the most popular moose cartridges are 30-06, 308, 300 Winmag - in that order.
 
I agree with using the .308 a 180gr partition, accubond, TSX or any other premium bullet will get you some moose steaks as long as you do your part.

That being said. If you absolutely must use the 25-06 then do so, it will kill a moose. But I would definitely recommend using a heavier and stronger bullet like a 115gr Barnes TSX.
 
When it comes to large animals like moose, "momentum" is a huge factor to consider (even more so than energy)... Momentum is mass times velocity... And represents a moving objects resistance to stopping or changing direction... While the .25/06 may compare favorably in the "energy" (ft/lb) arena... The .308 has a distinct edge in the momentum department... Since you have the gun, use your .308 with a 168 or 180 bullet of solid construction... This will maximize your lethality and give you more margin for error (which can happen in hunting scenarios)... Good luck.
 
I agree that you should pick the one you shoot the best. If that is the .25 then be sure to not shoot at heavy bone as you may not get the penetration you need into the vitals (like the shoulder). A good heart/lung shot or even a spine or neck shot would be just the ticket. Good luck.
 
.308 will give you a better bullet selection for moose hunting and would be my choice....both will work though.
 
All other things being equal (optics etc.) I would give the .308 the nod unless I felt much more comfortable on the 25-06. Would use the absolute heaviest bullet available for the 25 cal.
 
Either, will work so long as you use them within the energy and trajectory limits, and an appropriate bullet, but most of all get that bullet into a vital spot!

That being said, I use a 25-06, and have had no issue with it as a moose gun..
 
Thanks for all the great replies... Think I will need to put in some range time, finding what 168gr load is best for the 308! What would your maximum range be with the 308? I know its all in bullet placement etc etc... but, all I have ever shot with it is whitetail (any they don't like it ;) so looks like the 308 will be up first... I'll have the 25-06 as a back up... Thanks for all the help!!
 
I shoot the 150's out of my 308win.
As far as range goes, practice, practice and then some.
I wouldn't shoot past 300 yards, but that's just me.
 
308 is a real good on moose - 150 ttsx or even a 165 ttsx or any bonded bullet (accubond, inter bond, etc)... your chances of a shot over 50-100yds are minimal - I have seen 7 bulls in my short moose hunting career, and the farthest was 75yds. Practice then practise more, know your gun!
We dropped one with a 7-08 140gr this year, shot thru the heart, didnt go 5 yards.
 
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