New Rifle
 

So here is my dilemma(I am sure this has been asked a million times but I am going to ask anyways), I may not get to go on my fly out moose hunt this year :((I have applied for a new job and if I get it I don't get holiday's for a year and the job starts about 1 month before moose opens :(). So if I don't get to go I may have some money to spend on a new rifle (abou 2500 CAN give or take).What would you choose? I am looking for a rifle for moose and blackbear (I already have a browning bolt action 30-06 that I bought used and will still use for deer it is great but I would like a little more power and you can never have enough guns). I am leaning to the .300 wsm from what I have read but I am just not sure. (yeah I know it is all a matter of personal opinion) and also what scope would you top it off with for shots out to say 300+ yards??? thanks guys

Steve

RE: New Rifle
 

Personally, I would choose a 338 Win Mag for moose/black bear. It shoots flat and hard enough out to 300 yards. I would top it of with a Leupold Vari X-III 3.5-10X50. I used to have that exact setup with a winchester mod. 70. It was a great combo. Never did get to use it on game though. But, that is my preference. Good luck.

RE: New Rifle
 

Since I also live in Ontario, I want a gun that can handle black bear, moose and deer. A 30-06 is just fine for these animals but if you've got the cash to burn on a new rifle and scope, a Remington 700 in .300 Win. Mag. or WSM or one of the various 7mm magnums topped with a Leupold VX-III would be an excellent combo that would take down any of the animals mentioned.

RE: New Rifle
 

You already have an 06, why buy another 30 cal, your not gaining that much over the 06. If your want more punch I'd also suggest the 338 winmag or 35 Whelen or dare i say the 350 remmag. As far as the glass goes, I have several Leupolds,Nikon's and higher end Bushnells ( elites and trophies ). The Leupy's definitely have the edge on eye relief, while not as generous the Nikon's are close. Clarity, I'd rate the Nikon's the sharpest, brightest picture, the Leupy's are more consistant from edge to edge at all power settings. The Bushnell's are quality glass, clear and crisp from edge to edge, not as bright the rainguard is a great but the eye relief is it's biggest detractor.

RE: New Rifle
 

I'd go for a 35Whelen, and top it off with a Leupold VX-III,
1.75-5x 20mm scope, matte finish, with duplex reticle. :D

RE: New Rifle
 

IMHO, cartridge spacing is essential to building a worthy rack of rifles to work from.....

Don't "duplicate" what you already have --- Given you already have a 30-06, I can't imagine why one would want yet another 30 caliber in the closet unless you are going to get a "super 30" like a 300 RUM or Lazzeroni or Weatherby (30-378).

Find someone with a 338 something and a 375 something, try them both outand go with the one that floats your boat. [One thing, get enough case capacity in your cartridge to let it really perform. IMHO, blown out 30-06 case cartridges like the 338-06 and 35 Whelen lack potential when you can just as easily go with the "real deal" that was designed for that bullet right from the get go.One can simply down load them a bit ifone needs to go a little "softer."]

Big guns can be loaded down to little gun levels.
Little guns will always be little guns.
If you are going stronger, then really go truly stronger.

Assuming you are in good health and of a rigorous nature, ignore the recoil mythology and get after it like you mean it.

Otherwise, if you don't already have a set, then consider getting some top, top flight binoculars instead of the new rifle.

Scope.... Leupold, no higher than 2 to 4 power on the low end; top end is much less important.

EKM

RE: New Rifle
 

.300 Weatherby Magnum. Need something more,.340 Weatherby Magnum.

That's all for my input. Plain and simple.

RE: New Rifle
 

Well the o6' will certainly continue to handle those duties but extra cash anditch for something new is a great excuse. I agree with those who have said consider a 338 win mag, it will handle your request, diversify thecabinetand leave you room to hunt any animal on NA soil without question!

Scope is really personal I like my Leupold, like my Bushnell Elite's but I LOVE my Zeiss Conquests! Edge to edge clarity, great resolution, fast focus/constant eye relief, light gathering performance and tracks true.

I'd suggest the 3x9x40 variety ofwhatever goodquality scope your eye likes best.

RE: New Rifle
 

Remington 673 in .350 magnum (it is so fun to shoot!!!!). Definetely a higher end Leupold scope.

NRA

RE: New Rifle
 

EKM I am 23 and in fine shape. Recoil doesn't scare me so i will have to try out some different rifles. I know of a .338 I can probably get my hands on to try and also a .350 Rem mag. I will definatley let you guys know what I decide to do. Although the binoc's might be an intresting idea to.... hmmm now Ijust might have to go shopping. Thanks guys