Moose-Elk Rifle Caliber Choice
02-15-2007, 06:58 AM
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central Maryland
Posts: 11
Moose-Elk Rifle Caliber Choice
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?
02-15-2007, 07:50 AM
#2
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Wall SD USA & Jamestown ND
Posts: 11,474
RE: Moose-Elk Rifle Caliber Choice
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.
If they become available in 338 Federal, I will have one for sure.
02-15-2007, 02:47 PM
#4
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 309
RE: Moose-Elk Rifle Caliber Choice
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!
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!
02-15-2007, 03:48 PM
#6
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Saskatchewan Canada
Posts: 6,921
RE: Moose-Elk Rifle Caliber Choice
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!!
02-15-2007, 07:00 PM
#9
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Wall SD USA & Jamestown ND
Posts: 11,474
RE: Moose-Elk Rifle Caliber Choice
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.
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.
