whats the right caliber for me

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i'm 14 years old and looking for a moose rifle. i was thinking mabe a 280 rem or even a 7mm mag or something of that size, but not a 30-06.
 
Hard to help someone that doesn't like the '06, (you've already ruled out the best moose cartridge on the planet) but I'll try. Nothing wrong with the 280 or 7mm and if those are two calibers that you are thinking of, I would imagine you're trying to avoid recoil. My son has been using a 308 with Federal's high energy loads for moose and handloaded 165 grain Hornady bullets for deer. He was 11 when he shot his first moose and has since used it for elk, black bear and mule deer. He's now 17 and has recently picked up a 338 win mag. Of the 2 you mentioned, I'd go with the 280, as it is bound to be lighter, shorter and all round easier to carry and shoot than a 7mm. A 280 is enough for a moose and if you use the high energy loads it's getting close to 7mm velocity. The only reason to carry anything bigger is if you're hunting in an area that has grizzly bears. Then I'd go with the 338 or 35 whelen.
Far more important than what you hit your critter with, is where you hit your critter. But it's nice to be able to break bone if your shot is less than perfect.
A good scoped 22 is a great way to practice your shooting without the wear and tear on your shoulder and nerves. Happy hunting.
 
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Welcome to the forum young fella.

All 3 cartridges are good choices. The .280 Remington is the .30-06 necked down to 7mm (.284"). I think you would like the .30-06 or the .280 a bit more than the 7mm magnum.
 
Just starting out. I would reccomend a .308 or 7mm-08 These don't have a lot of recoil. They are proven moose killers. I haven't owned a 7mm-08 myself. But from what the guys here say. It is an adequate moose rifle. I don't know what type of shooting experience you already have. But in my opinion. You don't want to choose something with to much recoil. The worst thing you can do is develop a flinch or be scared of your gun. Start out with an adequate rifle. Practice and learn. If you feel you can handle something more. Move up from there. If you desire. Just my 2 cents. Hope this helps. Good choice in choosing hunting though. Take care.

Dave.
 
My son is 12 soon to be 13.I bought him a remington model 700 in 270 for Christmas.He was shooting my mountain rifle in 30-06 before and got a deer and a bear with it.
Gord.
 
At this point, while calibre is important, consider your stature and size. All rifles in the 270/06/7mm class require long actions and sporter size rifles for smaller individuals are on the rarer side, with many of your bolt guns being "full size". Consider as well what type of action, this will have a bearing on the overall size. Even the dimunitive 243 can be effective for moose, given the appropriate distance and well placed shot. If you are a big 14 year old, the field is wide open- the choice is yours. One last point to remember that always holds true- you can find 30-06 cartridges in nearly every corner store on the earth- if you ever are so unfortunate as to need them on short notice. Good Luck and welcome to a great sport.
 
3006 is the most versitile, you can shoot 150 gr s to learn to deal with recoil, and go up to 200 grs when you ready , i like your choices , but the are not really any different than the 3006 , thats my opinon for what its worth, wade
 
IMO the 3006 is the best all around hunting round. 165gr bullets will take down anything you will be shooting at.

if your not a reloader check to see what the local gun shop stocks for ammo. the last thing you want it the best new calibre around and not be able to buy shells.

270, 280, 7-08, 308, 7mm and many others will take down a moose, if YOU make a good shot.

check out the Browning BAR with BOSS, i shot a 338 win that kicks less than a 270. good for a young shooter.
 
if you shoot factory ammo, get a 7mm-08 (308 if you only shop at WalMart :p)

if you handload or know somebody who does, get a 260 Remington, as it is superior to anything else
 
Boer seun said:
7x57?
Click to expand...
That would be my first choice for a young shooter that wanted heavier bullets for moose. 7/08 would be the same only different.

6.5x55 is another good choice, but you should consider ammo availability before buying any caliber.




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