lethal energy

bucksnbeagles · 12-28-2003, 07:09 PM

Looking at buying my first rifle for big game hunt. Elk, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Caribou is the primary use for this set up as I got the Whitetail of southern IN covered. What is the min. FT/LB's of energy recommended for making a lethal/ethical kill. As you can see I'm pretty green on big caliber guns but I need to start somewhere. Being able to put the the lead thru the hot tater I know is what its all about but looking at the different calibers leaves a man almost to much to choose from. If someone can give me some hands on advice it would help me a lot.

stubblejumper · 12-28-2003, 07:13 PM

I don't believe in exact energy numbers as they can be misleading.For your use I would recomend the 7mmremmag.It shoots flat and has plenty of power for the species listed.

charlie brown · 12-28-2003, 07:31 PM

I agree with stubblejumper. The 7 RM would be good for the species you listed. I don't think that ft/lbs figures are really necessary for picking a big game centerfire caliber because the rounds that are most commonly used have plenty of power for the species you listed. It only becomes important when developing a load for a muzzleloader or something where the range is extremely limited. Most centerfire calibers that are used for big game have plenty of power to kill farther than most people can accurately shoot. Also ft/lbs figures can be misleading. As compared to most loads in a sidelock muzzleloader, a .243 has more energy at 200 yds, than the muzzleloader does, but the .243 does not shoot a bullet large enough for the larger species. (thought people have done it!)Other calibers to look at would be .30-06, 280 Rem, or 300 WM. Either of these would suit your needs fine. I shoot a Savage 110 .30-06 and love it.

JagMagMan · 12-28-2003, 07:32 PM

I'll second the 7mm Rem mag!

handloader1 · 12-28-2003, 11:31 PM

I would pick one of the .300 Mags. Good luck.

12-29-2003, 07:25 AM

I still believe, you need a min of 1000 ft/lbs to do the job right on any animal smaller than a Elk. Moose maybe a little less, but you still want to have enough energy on a broadside shot to get thru a rib if need be.

slugman · 12-29-2003, 09:19 AM

7mm

Mykey · 12-29-2003, 12:07 PM

300 Win