270 or 300 WSM

ZR 900 · 11-15-2007, 07:27 PM

Which one? I will shoot a whitetail but the primary use would be moose and elk. I do have a brand new 308 Browning short trac and intend to buy the 270 or 300 in the same exact model rifle. Thanks

handloader1 · 11-15-2007, 10:29 PM

.300 WSM. Good luck.

Retaks · 11-16-2007, 04:45 AM

300 WSM. I just got one and like it.

trailer · 11-16-2007, 05:21 AM

The 300 WSM would be a better choice...

8pt~Bowhunter · 11-16-2007, 05:23 AM

270.

Folically Challenged · 11-16-2007, 05:33 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: ZR 900

Which one? I will shoot a whitetail but the primary use would be moose and elk. I do have a brand new 308 Browning short trac and intend to buy the 270 or 300 in the same exact model rifle. Thanks

Why another rifle?The .308 will certainly take moose & elk if you do your part. If the new rifle is to be mainly for moose & elk, what's the .308 for?

Are you looking for a longer-range cartridge? Maybe look at the WBY cartridges, or magnum case shooting a small caliber bullet. Are youlooking for abigger "thumper"? I'd pass the 300 WSM & go up to the .338 or .35 calibers.

I could understand if you were maybe looking for a lighter weight package with which to tromp around the woods, but you said you're looking for the same setup, so that theory's out.

Can you share more details?

Thankx!

FC

ZR 900 · 11-16-2007, 06:00 AM

The 308 is for whitetail. I would like the same set up for the same reason I shoot 101 double barrels. You shoot better if you are used to the gun. When I pick up my rifle to shoot the elk/moose I would like it to be one I know where the safety is and how to load the magazine.....I mean really know the gun.

WHile I agree the 308 will kill elk and moose I don't think it is quite enough. A 17 HMR will kill deer, bear, antelope...whatever but it is not enough. Not every shot is perfect and we owe it to the animal to make a clean kill.

The reason for the autos is I hunt from climbing stands and I like a quick second shot and I really like the reduced recoil of an auto. It would be interesting to really know for sure how much accuracy an auto gives up.The 308 is pretty accurate.

Folically Challenged · 11-16-2007, 06:44 AM

A quick check of the Short Trac models shows the .300 WSM to be the biggest cartridge they offer. Therefore, I'd recommend that one, but I honestly don't think it'll make much, if any, difference in on-game performance under 300 yards. If you really want more oomph, step up to the .338 Win Mag - I think that's offered in the BAR Safari models.

Remember, too, that the 400 yard shots on large game are far more rare than we're led to believe. Consider the terrain where you'll be hunting the elk/moose. I was in Southern BC 2 months ago, & the guide outfitter tells all his clients that they shoot more elk in "self defense" than they do past 300 yards. All told, Isaw 5 bulls within 50 yards.The guidecalled a 5x5 within 5 yards, & I took my 6x5 at 65 yards. That critter didn't laugh at the 165 grain Interbonds from my .30-06.

Just my $.02.

FC

ZR 900 · 11-16-2007, 06:57 AM

I like autos and I agree most of the shots are close but you never know.

I assume the Safari is a bolt?

oldelkhunter · 11-16-2007, 07:26 AM

If it were strictly a moose elk rifle it should be a medium caliber. Most of the big stuff is shot close by in real life situations. I would also get a bolt rifle. If you want to use a semi-auto I would line up a BAR Safari in 338 . That would be a good Gatling gun. Shortrac is a price point gun no more no less.