Alaska Magnum,

Congeratulations on your upcoming hunt. I envy you and the opportunity.

Regarding your choice of firearms: I would suggest that you first determine the type of terrain that you will be hunting. If you expect shots beyond 200 yards, then you should be looking for a rifle that will provide good accuracy for that purpose. If the terrain is such that you will be at closer ranges, and you may need a "stopper" for an up close and personal encounter, you might want to look at the very large calibers. My son and I did a bear hunt in Saskatchewan two years ago. After the hunt we went on to Alaska for a couple of months. We spent lots of time in the back country. We carried Marlin Guide Guns in 45-70, loaded with Garrecht 540 grain hardcast bullets. Needless to say, the selection was certainly adequate for our close range hunting in Saskatchewan. The heavy loads also were suitable for stopping a big bad boy while we were fishing and hiking the back country of Alaska. And the recoil was significant, but acceptable.

All of the above being said, you need to consider recoil. I have a variety of rifles that would be suitable for a DG hunt. But my skill level drops off when I get into the larger calibers with more recoil. I have a 375 H&H Mag. that shoots comfortably, but a box in one day is enough. I have a 458 Win Mag that is enjoyable to shoot with lighter loads, but is brutal with 500 grain solids. Since I reload, I have experimented with lots of different loads. When both of my kids are out of college, I am going to Africa. So I am getting ready now for that trip.

My recommendation to you is that you find someone in your area that will let you shoot some of the big guns. I suspicion that you might find the 458 Lott or 460 Weatherby to be a little too much when you are trying to maintain good accuracy. And the prior statement by ELKampMaster regarding the weight of the gun and the ammo is very important.

Remember, hits count, misses don't. You can never miss fast enough to catch up. And the last thing you want is to wound one of those critter and have to go in the bush after it.

Good luck,

SD Shooter