What moose cartridge?

[DES0LAT0R]

So ive been wanting to buy a new rifle for some time and have been debating on what to buy. Im primarily a target shooter and was going to buy a target bolt action 308. Just the other day though, i was asked if i would like to possibly got moose hunting come the fall.

So my question is, as much as i want a 308 and spend all my time at the range, would it be a good cartridge to use for moose? Or should i go for something with a little power?

 

[nomad 68]

Many moose have fallen to a .308. Contrary to popular opinion, you don't need a cannon to harvest a moose.

 

[c.t.smith]

Many moose have fallen to a .308. Contrary to popular opinion, you don't need a cannon to harvest a moose.

Learn to shoot it and ^^^^^ what he said

 

[bjmurata]

308 has plenty of " power " for moose, use a well constructed hunting bullet and you are good to go.

 

[The Outsider]

As far as moose hunting goes, anything a .308 can do, a 30-06 will do better,
and the 300 WM probably being the ultimate moose cartridge.

 

[cody182005]

sounds to me like a 308 fits the bill for what you need. Use good quality bullets and you shouldn't have any issue inside of 350-400 yards. Which is a chip shot if you plan on getting into target/precision shooting. For me i try to stay above the 1500 ft-lbs/1800 fps at impact on moose.

 

[madashell]

.308 works great for moose despite the BS some say.

That, and the vehicle I saw kill a moose on the highway the other day seemed to work too. Albeit with a bit more meat damage.

 

[a j cave]

A target bolt may be too heavy to hunt with. Nothing wrong with the cartridge. You have time to practice. If the gun you want for targets is not suitable for hunting, I am sure a buddy has a lender you can use ( with great care & respect!). Any mid powder cartridge from 7 x57- to the mags will do just make sure you can hit where you want. Good luck.

 

[9.3mauser]

9.3mm Mooser

 

[PEKS]

308 Bull Barrel will work fine

 

[Mauser98]

9.3X62. The answer to everything.

 

[trebor2880]

9.3X62. The answer to everything.

Except where to find ammo in a pinch.

 

[the spank]

If you can't kill it with a 308 then you need to develop hunting skills, not just shooting skills.

 

[guntech]

Many moose have fallen to a .308. Contrary to popular opinion, you don't need a cannon to harvest a moose.

Out of a dozen posts this was your most intelligent reply...

You don't need more... in fact many moose have been cleanly dispatched with less powerful cartridges...

 

[SHELL SHUCKER]

If you can't kill it with a 308 then you need to develop hunting skills, not just shooting skills.

I would not hesitate on plopping moose with a 30-30 inside of 100 yds. or so, let alone a .308. Too many folks these days go for the high power stuff when it ain't actually needed for hunting meat at sensible ranges.

 

[SuperCub]

Why not buy a heavier 308 for target shooting and a lighter weight 308 for general hunting?

 

[Trimmer 905]

You can't go wrong with a .270Win,.308 Win. or .30-06 Sprg. and i really like Ruger M77's.

 

[TriggerTime]

sounds to me like a 308 fits the bill for what you need. Use good quality bullets and you shouldn't have any issue inside of 350-400 yards. Which is a chip shot if you plan on getting into target/precision shooting. For me i try to stay above the 1500 ft-lbs/1800 fps at impact on moose.

That's my ideal terminal energy too. 180 gr soft points will get that done out to 300 yds from a .308
30-06 will stretch that another 70 yds
.270 does the deed with speed, bullets typically lighter, out to the mid 300's for the same energy.
Windage may be more of a factor though

 

[p.Rundle]

as the others have said, you have an ideal moose cartridge. .308 is pretty close to a "do it all" round, precision, hunting, plinking. The round does it all bro.

 

[SuperCub]

You can't go wrong with a .270Win,.308 Win. or .30-06 Sprg. and i really like Ruger M77's.

You're right .... Talked to a fellow tonight who was looking for a 30-06 for moose hunting.

He said he'd settle with a 308 but didn't want a 270 as they "are no good for moose".