Moose-Elk Rifle Caliber Choice

October Sky · 02-15-2007, 06:58 AM

Looking add another A-Bolt to my collection. Hopefully Moose, Elk and the likehunts are in the future. That said, looking for your opinions on which caliber to pursue. I'm torn between the 325WSM, 300WSM, 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag and the 338 Win Mag.I know there are quite a few votes for the 30-06 which I have covered.Man can't have to many toy's right boy's?, what's your feeling on a Moose Medicine A-Bolt?

James B · 02-15-2007, 07:50 AM

Of those you mentioned, the 325 WSM would be my choice. I would say the 35 Whelen but I don't think its available in the A-Bolt. Don't blame you for sticking with the A-Bolt. That shows good tatste.

If they become available in 338 Federal, I will have one for sure.

demoIL · 02-15-2007, 08:51 AM

I would choose the 338 win mag.. I'm not a fan of the short mags.
338 hits very hard and if your hunting in Grizzly country that would be my first choice...

358WINMAN · 02-15-2007, 02:47 PM

I would take the .338 Win Mag over the others you mentioned. Top it off with a Leupold VX II 0r III in 3x9 and you're set to shoot close in the trees at 3 power or 400 yds across a meadow at 9 power for the animal of a lifetime. If you're up to doing your part, the .338 WM will never let you down.
Reasons: Excellent accuracy, good ballistics, great knock down power, ammo readily available even in a Mom and Pop general sporting goods store becuase of it's popularity, and can kick a big bear's butt if you happen to run into a bad situation while hunting for elk, moose or bears, etc.
I have one in a Ruger No 1 and love it!

Go on a hunt and tell your guide you're totin' a 30-06 along for Yukon Moose or any big bears and he'll likely question your choice. Tell him you're bringing along a .338 WM and he'll nod and move on to the next topic!

buckstalker1187 · 02-15-2007, 02:59 PM

OUT OF THOSE CHOICES.....THE .338

skeeter 7MM · 02-15-2007, 03:48 PM

With an 06 already the 338wm would be my choice. While the 325 is upto the task and would offer nice spacingthe track record for 8mm cartridges being accepted in NA makesone wonder about its survival. Also Ihave wondered what the .323 bullet really offers over a 308 bullet chucked from a 300 wm, wby or RUM...seems to be slight and that just might be why they haven't caught here yet!!

48thguns · 02-15-2007, 05:42 PM

I hate to do this, however the 375 H&H gets the cross canyon Elk shot done and on Moose .....whamo! They don't kick as hard as the 338 either. Regards, Rick.

fornra@yahoo.com · 02-15-2007, 05:51 PM

Rick I believe they kick a little harder than the 338, although that could depend on the weight of the rifle and the load you are firing.

James B · 02-15-2007, 07:00 PM

Not much difference in recoil. 36.1 lbs for the 375 H&H and 33.3 lbs for the 338. However IMO, the 375 is a LOT more rifle on the business end.

I reload so I never really give a thought to if a cartridge will survive. There are plenty of good 8MM bullets and if you prefer a short action then I would still opt for the 325WSM. I like short actions thus my interest in the 338 Federal.

20GADBL · 02-15-2007, 07:41 PM

.338 win mag sounds like good medicine for moose and elk to me. Lots of good factory ammo to choose from too. I know I like the caliber just with a little more UMPHH!