Minimum moose caliber?

[huntermn]

What do suggest the absolute minimum caliber is best for moose and what grain bullet?

[OhioOutdoorsman]

You'll get a lot of opinions on this one. The problem is that most people only hunt moose with the caliber that they hunt with, so they have no real way to compare calibers with their experience. More important than caliber is your ability to shoot your gun well and a close second is bullet construction (premium bonded or partition construction). You'll probably get most answers in the .270 to 7mm rem mag range, with a few saying they'd hunt with nothing less than a .300 win mag. Bullet weight 150 to 180 grains. I've never hunted moose, but have heard/read countless people answer this question and debate it endlessly.

Its too bad all the prior posts on this site got erased with the update, they were a great resource, not to mention entertaining.

[Todd G.]

I agree many people will have varying opinions on this subject. Most of it will come because people like to defend the rifle THEY are using. However, if you are buying a rifle specific to the purpose, I think your attitude would change.

Selecting the "caliber" of rifle is probably less important than picking the right "cartridge". For example, a 7mm-08 may be a little light. However, a 7mm Rem Mag would seem vary capable. So, I think you need to keep that in mind.

If I was buying a rifle to hunt moose, I would likely choose a .308 caliber or larger in something starting with a .30-06 or so. If it was solely for moose and elk, a .338 Win Mag would seem very well suited. Others may differ in their opinions.

When looking at most common cartridges, I think a .270 with the proper bullets, proper shot choice and proper bullet placement is adequate. However, I would be very careful about going any lighter.

[Yooper]

Which sub-species of moose are you planning to hunt?
There is a size difference plus there is also that possibility of running into an ill-tempered, toothy critter who may just want to relieve you of your moose meat.

Do you plan to hunt in dense cover with close-quarters shots?
I have family that are prolific moose-killing machines and they have different guns for different areas.

Whatever you choose to go with, practice to the point that it becomes instinctual. That way, no matter what happens, and moose can be very unpredictable, you're ready to make that good, clean shot.

Most importantly, have fun! Moose hunting is awesome.

[Spin4Trout]

minimunm moose CARTRIDGE = 7mm Remington Mag.

[Max]

If your not hunting alaska i would say the min would be the good old 303 cal. 180gr shot s wouldnt be more then 150 yrds and shot placement is key to anyhunting but we all know this good luck.

[hunter1992]

I think a 270 Win. with a 130 grain bullet would nearly be to small. I do know someone that has used that but he was a great shot. I would use at least a 165 bullet on moose.

[protector]

Far and away the most popular rifle in Alaska is the .30-06, loaded with 180 grain soft points for moose and deer. It's versatile enough for a state where you hunt -- or may need to shoot -- everything from varmints to moose and brown bear. Typically the shots aren't that long and there's a lot of cover in moose country, allowing you to stalk closer. The .30-06 also can be loaded with heavy 220 grain bullets for bear. A lot of big brown bear are taken there every year with the 06.

[goldbelt]

HI to all,
Just wanted to to say hi as I'm new here and to agree that it's important to shoot a rifle you can handle. With the exception of taking the country you hunt ,into consideration . Here in Alaska we hunt deer for the most part loaded for brown bear as they are in the same area and the possibility of confrontation is real. The best deer hunting here in southeast Ak. is on the ABC islands. Admiralty,Baranof,& chichigof. Where the brown bear population is about 1 per sq. mile. It makes for a very invigorating deer hunt. The spice of life. My choice for up here is 300 wsm m 70/ 325 wsm kimber.
Goldbelt

[hootie]

At the moose camps I have been to in Ontario I have seen 30-06, 308 and 300 weatherby magnum. From 165 to 180 grain premium bullets.

[Han hunter]

minimum caliber for moose would be a .325 WSM loaded with 220 grain powerpoints or the faster 200 grn Acccubond redtips, of these I have already killed some local deer and bear in WAshingotn state these last few weeks. The .325 WSM gives a big bullet and magnum speed to shock and drop the moose without it running too far. My first shot last week on a blacktail doe at 50 meters in the bush hit the right shoulder and blew out the left shoulder, leaving a big basebasll sized hole of ground meat as the left shoulder; it hung by a flap of skin and the doe just ran 5 paces into the deep dark woods and collaped, may for easy recovery and skinning. THe .325 WSM had 3800 foot pounds of energy to transfer and dropped the blacktail doe ( I had a special tag) right in her tracks. I have previously shot does in the chest with 150 grain .30-06 and they just ran off, I have to then shoot that doe 2 more times to finally break her spine as it ran over 300meters across a logging clear cut into the forrrest. I thought the Brownign BAR in .30-06 was the ultimate ticket 2 years ago but after it let a doe run from a chest hit, the .30-06 seems popular but overrated. The week for this I had visited a friends' apple orchard where a big black bear had been ripping down apple granches to eat apple. Large piles of bear scat were everwhere. I conceled myself under a tree and loaded 220 gr powerpoint .325 WSM ammu in to my new winchester model 70 lamninated classic rifle and kept quiet. hours later, a big black bear did show up and stoo staight at me , smelling my odor; I had no time to waste so the scope stopped over his brisket and I let a load of the .325 missile at this big bear; he instanttly turned into a rag doll and fell as he stand . The big 220 grain 8mm slug tore that bear up from stem to stern and went totally out the rear end thus no bullet could be found. Usually if I use 7mm rem mag or .308, we have toshoot severeal times and then chase the wounded bear; the .325 WSM is so powerful it drops animals on the spot or if not near by. . Best cartridge and bullet design since the 7mm rem mag . Use it on any medium and
higher weight animal; it will not let anyone down if they can place the shot on the shoulder . To have more enerngy, a bigger bullet and then less recoil than a .300 win mag, whihc is a proven cartidge, that .325 WSM is truly an imporoved tool for outdoor use ! I traded in my 2 .338 win mags once I got my .325 wsx; the .325 does have tooth jarring recoil and is easier to shoot that the bigger .338 win mags or even the ..300 win mags. I eat what I kill and it sure is lean venison and the bear had black hairs comning out of its backstrap, something to get used to while chewing the bear meat.

[huntermn]

Hey! Thanks for all of the great advice. I went on my moose hunt and shot a nice bull. I used a 30.06 with a 185 grain Fusion bullet and downed him real good. I didn't know I was gonna generate such keen interest. If anyone has not hunted moose before, be sure you do at least once before you die. There's nothing like it!

[watch4bear]

I too live in Alaska, stay with your belted magnums for moose.

[turner1978]

Just a reply to hanhunter's note about how hard of a time you have killing deer with the 30-06. WHY is it so hard to kill a deer with a 30-06? I used a 30-06 for 8 years and killed lots of deer and elk without all of that trouble. Try some target practice and maybe you won't need a canon to kill a 100 ib doe.

My step mom used a 300 savage with 150 gr bullets to kill a big shiras moose here in Idaho last fall and it worked just fine. Accuracy is the main key.

[BULLSEYE]

my dad and i went moose hunting a few years back and he used a .270 and i used a .280 they seemed to work just fine u dont need all that gun to bring them down we only used 140 grain win.

[turner1978]

By all means I think the 325wsm and all of the other magnums are better suited for moose than some of the smaller guns but you can use 270's and 30-06's just fine if you place your shots well and use premium bullets.

[tykempster]

Minimum caliber would be .243, plenty of people kill moose with them each year, just use a premium bullet.

[turner1978]

I am not trying to ofend you in any way but I would think that a 243 would be alitle small for moose or even elk. Yes it can be done but if you have ever followed a large wounded animal for miles and had to pack it out when you finaly finish it off you will wish that you had used a more apropriate firearm.

I think that the suggested minimum caliber for moose would be .277 with a 150 gr bullet traveling at least 2,600 fps with a good premium bullet. I say suggested minimum because they are a realy big animal with a lot of thick hide, bones and muscles to penetrate. Too many things can go wrong even with a heavy bullet. So why press your luck with a 95 gr. deer bullet when you could play it safe with a 30-06 or more suited rifle.

I personally would consider a 308 caliber 180 gr barnes bullet at about 3,000 fps to be my idea of a good moose gun or even a 325 wsm or 338 win mag but recoil can be an issue for some people which is quite understandable. So for these people I would suggest federals new cartridge which is basicaly a 308 win necked up to a 338. I believe it is called the 338 federal. Team that up with a 200gr-210 gr premium bullet and it would be an awesome moose round without too much recoil.

I know that a lot of people will read this and say that they can kill a moose with a 22-250 or 243 and it is true. It can be done and has been done but you are taking a bigger chance at wounding a beutiful animal and causing it to needlessly suffer.

I once killed a cow elk with a 243. When I came home from the navy I didn't have any hunting rifles at the time since I had sold my 30-06 to pay for a plane ticket. Any way to make a long story short I borrowed it to go hunting deer and elk. I stalked to within 40 yards and shot her in the back of the head as she was reaching up to eat a lief off of a tree branch.

So yes you can kill elk and moose with 243's but only in a perfect situation where you can place the bullet in either the head or spine. Most people who are asking which caliber to use on moose are usually not that good of a shot so I would suggest a heavier bullet and aim for the heart/lungs.

Good subject. Room for a lot of debate.

[qbalaska]

It's critical that you are comfortable shooting your weapon/caliber of choice and confident in your ability with it.
Having lived and hunted in Alaska where the moose are big, I will tell you that the smaller the caliber the more important premiem bullets and close range shots are.
I know a lot of hunters that shoot moose with the .270 and 30-06. I personally use either a 300 win mag or now, my new 325 WSM. With the 325 WSM I know I can reach out farther and knock them down and in fact took a nice moose this year at a ranged 254 yards with one shot from it. I have put close to a hundred rounds through this gun since I got it in June and know and shoot it very well.
Whatever you decide, make sure you have good bullets, know your gun and it's capabilities and don't take a shot longer than you or the gun is capable of handling. Oh, and make sure the game is in a position, broadside, that you know your gun will deliver the killing shot on.
Happy Hunting.

[Russelldclaybaugh@hotmail]

My buddy and I went to Ontario on a moose hunt and both used 7MM mags. And we had the smallest guns in camp.Our guide laughs at all of us from the states on our thoughts on big calibers for hunting,he claims he has took more than 25 moose using a 30-30 and 150 grain bullets.We hunted with Pine Portage Lodge and we took 9 moose for the 12 hunters, great hunt in a great place!!

[Sourdough]

I have seen a lot of Moose shot and lost with the venerable 30-06. Last year watched an experienced deer hunter shoot a Moose five times with a .308. Every shot hit the heart lung area, the moose finally walked off and the fellow lost it. Then two hours later several of us went out and found it for him, Actually my Beagle found it. I personally carry either a .338 Win Mag, or a .35 Whelen if the range is going to be short. Won't use anything less. Don't allow anything less in my hunting camp either. A few years ago we invited a GI from Eielson AFB. He told us he had a .375H&H, no problem. When we met at the trailhead he showed up with a 30-30, he thought the .375 had too much recoil and he felt he could kill a Moose with his 30-30. We left him at the highway. People don't realise how big an Alaskian Moose is. Think of the biggest purebred bull you have ever seen, then put it on stilts. Now you've got an average size Alaskian Moose. The really big ones are much bigger. The bulk of their bodies is massive. And it takes a lot to drop one.

[rooster52]

The largest caliber that you can handle and be accurate with is the best to use. A wounded moose with a 375 is still a wounded moose.High power never makes up for accuracy.

[bowboy185]

I would say a heavy loaded .270 would be about borded line i hunt elk with that and with good shot placement it works great.

[rem 700]

What species of moose?

[bubba101st]

For moose I would use my .270 as I do for everything else. I would look carefully at the bullet I used. The 135 grains tend to have more KE when down range at the 100 to 200 yard range but likely wouldn't hold together all that well. I think I would go with the Barnes X in 165 or 180 grain.

What ever you choose to use it all comes down tho the X ring. Placement is all that counts.

[Alaska]

308 Win with 165 or 180 grain bullets.


Moose can be killed with just about anything but I suggest the least I have taken is the 308 win with 165 Barnes TSX .........under 200 yards.

[muzzy]

30/06 180 grain serreia bullets

[wyovamag13]

depends on where you are hunting. long range shots, you would be best suited with any of the 300 mags, or better yet a 338 win mag or ultra mag or the 325 WSM. but I would say at least a 30-06.
For closer range hunting, I would go with a 350 magnum, 45-70, 450 marlin... or something in that category. A moose is a MEAN SOB! if hunting at close range I would want some knock down power. If I had to choose just one rifle to take a moose I would probably go with a 338 mag. nice and flat, and plenty of knockdown power.

[257Magnum]

I now own a winchester mod. 70 .338 and when I get to go on another moose hunt that will probably be my main rifle, but when I went before I dropped it with the only rifle I had. You guessed it, 257 weatherby with 120 gr. nosler partition. Dropped him deader than snot!

[rooster52]

I took my 7MM to Newfoundland and had the smallest rifle in camp.Our guide told me that he uses a 30-30. He trys to get within 50 yards of a moose and shoot for the neck,he said ,puts right down!
Caliber of rifle for moose depends on the shooter and his hunting skill.But if your on a 5 day hunt that costs you 1000 dollars a day,I think I will opt for something bigger than the 30-30.
I have taken 2 moose with my 30-06 both one shot kills.One was in eastern Canada the other was in Wyoming.

[S_hunter19]

i think that a good accurate 30-06 or good 300 mag will drop a moose in its tracks i have heard of countless moose bieng droped with 270' 280's and even in 1 case a .243

[justonemike]

I would think the 270 would be minimum I would just prefer to use a 45-70 or 444 or 450 marlin. A nice big cal with a lot of umphhhh.

[llclamping]

In case you need it look at the July 07 issue of field and stream, All your Ammo needs are fuffiled. For moose I would use 325 Because it has the power without the kick

[ROM]

2 years ago I shot a 700 pound moose in the lungs with my .308 180 grain at 80 yards. It was a clean kill, straight through, just the way I like it. I suspected I was good out to 200 yards with this combination. I now shoot a 300 wsm to extend the range to 300 yards. The 3 other guys I hunt with have a 7mm, 300 weatherby and .308 respectively. Just my 2cents.

R

[steller]

This a good thread of discussion, but it appears some people have drifted from the original question. It was not what is the BEST cartridge for moose; it was what is the MINIMUM cartridge for moose. I, too, would be happy to hear the answer to that question - because I am in the market for a rifle that will be used primarily for deer, but very occasionally for caribou or moose. I am leaning towards the 7mm-08, because I have a slight build and am recoil-sensitive, and am wondering if it would be OK for moose.

One good question posed by other people is what type of moose. I personally am hunting in central Canada, along the U.S. border. So, the moose here are what I would consider "average" - not the huge northern types, but not the smaller ones either.

Any comments on the use of a 7mm-08 as a minimum cartridge on moose? Let's assume I take my time and only shoot if I have a shot within 150 yards (to ensure I hit it in the vitals).

Thanks!

[iduckhunt]

Steller,
A 160 gr 7mm-08 Nosler Partition pushed at appx 2600 fps seems to me to be a fine Moose cartridge. The 175 gr moves about 300 fps slower.

MY minimum Moose round would start at a 150 gr bullet at 2600 fps which brings me to the 270 Win.

Others who feel a 140 gr bullet to be their MINIMUM would be looking at the 6.5 mm class as a starting point.

[legotp456]

I would say the minimum caliber is rally based on the max distance you want to be able to shoot. If you need to make a 250 yard shot use a 300 win mag or 7mm mag but on the other hand if it is dense woods and you get get with in 100 yards use a .30-06 or even a .270 or .308 winchester. Also in places like alaska i would use the bigger even in dense woods as they will be MUCH better if you run into something with teeth and claws rather than antlers.

Tony

[ssghelmick]

I have only killed 2 moose one with a 7x57 and the other with a 7mm Remington mag both were shot at less than 100 yrds. The bullets used were both 160gn. one was a nosler partition and the other a speer grand slam. So my opinion is that .28 cal. and larger will work for sure.

[bc338]

Moose aren't that hard to kill if you place the shot well- how's that for a broken record ???

[saskatchewan boy]

280 and higher is my opion. Moose are a very tough, big animals and can be quite hard to get out of the bush. You want something with good knock down power and hope it only takes 1 or 2 shot for it to go down. especially if your not on a guided hunt when you have to get it home by your self. grain bullet wise i would say 165 gr nosler partion as a min and higher...The new bonded bullets seem to have good reviews but have not yet tried them. Something smaller may be just as effective with these new bullets. just my opinion. Got 800lbs of meat off of my 62" bull 2 years ago.

[iduckhunt]

We must all be waiting for the season to start after all this post was started 2 years ago and the guy already went on his hunt and bagged his moose. My minimum caliber is 270 Win.

[gdbraham]

The first moose I ever shot was in Northern Manitoba Canada when I was 14 years old. The rifle I was using was a Browning Lever Action .243. The shot was at 70-80 yards, the moose took a couple of steps and collapsed. Since then, I have taken moose with a .270 and 30-06 and now with my current rifle a 300WSM. I am not saying rush out and buy a .243 for moose, as I do not recommend that calibre, but as for the rest anyone works fine. Personnally I think too much emphasis is placed on purchasing a large magnum (.375, .338 etc) and in my opinion it is not neccessary. Personnaly I would opt for a .30 cal. rifle. My recent rifle the 300WSM is a superb calibre which I will keep for a long time too come. I use this rifle for deer, elk, moose, and black bear. I prefer the 165gr. bullet and use it for all the hunts I take, the only difference is that I used Hornady Interbond for deer and black bear, and switch to the Barnes TSX for moose and elk.

Basically, any large rifle you choose will work as long as you feel comfortable shooting it. My advice would be in finding the make of rifle you would like to buy, that is a far more difficult choice than the calibre.

Good luck

[tjen]

Minimum caliber that I would suggest for moose would be .270. So the 7mm08 and 270win with 150gr bullets are good choices. Some of the most popular moose cartridges that work great for people that live in moose coutry are the 270win, 308win, 30-06sprg, 338win, 35rem, 358win, 35whelen, and 45-70. I perfer the large caliber rounds. What you need to remember is a 30-30 will due at 100 yards what a 06 will at 300 yards. And the 35rem at 100 yards what the whelen will at 300 yards. So you do not need a magnum for just moose. My 35rem has taken two Ontario moose both with just one shot. Both where over 1000 lbs. And yes large diameter heavey bullets make a bigger inpression to moose than a smaller dia mag does! In short I would perfur a 308win loaded with 200gr bullets over a 7mm mag with 140gr bullets of any kind (thuo 160-175's work real good).

[338378weatherbylover]

22-250 for experienced people, 243. for minimum experienced shooters. 30-06 for newbies and average shooters. there is also not to big of a caliber for moose either. if i had a 460. wby magnum i'd use it, or a 22. magnum if i was up close like 20 yrds. it all depends on being a good shot and where you shoot it.

[MOhunter]

the 30-30 for brush and the 243 for distance is the min.

I never recomend the min though.unless 90% of your hunting is deer and elk.

moose aren't all that tough. they just don't know their dead. i've seen um holed through both lungs and broken shoulder from a 458 run 500 yards are more. and i've seen um drop like rocks from a liver shot .243.

alot of your choice will depend on the water a wet hide stops bullets like a flak vest if there small or fragile.

[NEWFIE_HUNTER]

My Favorite question! I was born in Newfoundland and boy do we have lots of moose!(since they introduced them around 1901) I had one grandpa who used the 243 since it came out and another who killed plenty of moose with his old 303. These guys were great shooters and could get pretty close to thier quarry. I reccomend 270, 308, 30-06, as the lowest. But If you shoot straight you can use any gun i suppose LOL... If you don't mind recoil try 300 win and some premium bullets. Real moose medicine.... I'm about to use a 7mm tikka for a moose hunt, I'll keep you posted...pun intended...

[tjen]

6.5 cal is very effective in Sweden/Finland. The 270win is very effective on Ontario moose with the 30-06 heading that list. And for 18 years my cusin used his 35rem and 30-06 for Alasken moose because that was what guns he brought with him when he moved there. My 35rem has taken two moose.
Its the bullet choice that matters 250gr for 35 cals, 200-180gr for 308 cals, 150gr for 270 cal, and 140 for the 6.5mm. One of the best bush guns my cusin used was a 308win loaded with 200gr bullest it did kill alot of moose and two grizzlys. Penitration was extreme and effective in a light quick handling gun.

[huestahunter]

I just read an article about a 10-year-old girl taking an Alaska moose with a .243 Model 88 Winchester. One shot.

[Vaultman]

I just read an article about a 10-year-old girl taking an Alaska moose with a .243 Model 88 Winchester. One shot.

Wow. One of my favorite calibers. But on Moose, not for me. No way. My choice for moose, 300wm. I would say something 30 cal would be my smallest choice for moose. I know the question was what is the smallest caliber.... but why? Go with the 338win.

[CannedHeat]

We're all entitled to our opinions, and that's what makes these forums so great, and this country, to boot. For me, I would say the .270 and I don't own one. My 7mm-08 would do the job, but I'd probably take my .30-06. As far as loads...anything in the 150 grain range or better. I've become a monster fan of the Barnes Triple Shock X-bullet (all copper). 100% weight retention and no fragmentation. Perfect for moose. For the record, I wouldn't feel comfy shooting whitetails with a .22-250, better yet a moose.
No offense to the previous poster, but I consider myself a pretty good shot and I think that's quite underpowered. Sectional density doesn't even get into the .160's, and I think you need to be near the mid-200's, no matter how good a shot you are.

[buckgitter]

I would have to say a Browning 325wsm with a boss. Just because I have one for sale!!! LOL! Seriously, I think you need at least a 30 caliber with 180 gr or better.

[tbro47]

Wow I can't believe anyone would think of shooting a moose with anything smaller that a .30 cal round. .243 is way to small for elk or moose i'd say the .243 is the minimum round for deer. And 22-250 are you kidding me. That's a minimum round for coyotes. I have a buddy who is an exmarine and a great shot and has a 22-250 weatherby he shoots excellent. He brought it to deer camp this year saying it's a perfect deer gun and almost got laughed out of camp. After putting two rounds in a muley at about 50-60 yards which he insists where vital shots and never being able to find the deer he admitted it was too small a gun and used my 30.06 the rest of the season. Lets be ethical hunters and use a rounds big enough to drop our prey on contact ever shot. I'd say a 30-30 is the minimum for moose.

[tapehoser]

I'm not going to give you a 'minimum' suggestion.

However, I will give you a GOOD suggestion.

My buddy and I were elk hunting this week. On our last day, without having bagged an animal, we decided to hold our own impromptu ammo penetration tests.

Our target: 16" thick aspen tree
His cartridge: 270 Winchester, 150 grain Hornady SST.
My cartridge: 45-70 Govt with 300 grain Nosler Partition.

Results: His bullet entered the tree. No exit. My bullet exited 16" of tree and penetrated another 6" of the tree behind it.

My suggestion is something larger than .277 inches and heavier than 150 grains. Something above the .400" caliber and above 200 grains would be superb. Anything larger is just extra oomph that will never do you wrong. HOWEVER, it MUST be a premium bullet. Don't go using a 250 grain ballistic tip bullet on a moose, because it could fragment and have nast results. Get a good Barnes, Nosler, etc. that shoots well from your gun.

[scape111]

I would have to say a Browning 325wsm with a boss. Just because I have one for sale!!! LOL! Seriously, I think you need at least a 30 caliber with 180 gr or better.

out of curiousity- (and not to hijack the thread)- how'd you like your browning there? 325 is too much for me- well, too much for whitetails, still debating between 270 or 30-06- figured with the 30-06, could use it on larger game down the road for caribou or elk- a little easier... but did settle on the browning...

[buckgitter]

out of curiousity- (and not to hijack the thread)- how'd you like your browning there? 325 is too much for me- well, too much for whitetails, still debating between 270 or 30-06- figured with the 30-06, could use it on larger game down the road for caribou or elk- a little easier... but did settle on the browning...

I am a Browning man but I am with you on the caliber. I really didn't need the caliber, my brother has one and I let him talk me into it. The gun is a great shooter 3 shot group at 100- 1 clover leaf hole. I will take it on my elk hunt but I will use my .280.

[tbro47]

I'm not going to give you a 'minimum' suggestion.

However, I will give you a GOOD suggestion.

My buddy and I were elk hunting this week. On our last day, without having bagged an animal, we decided to hold our own impromptu ammo penetration tests.

Our target: 16" thick aspen tree
His cartridge: 270 Winchester, 150 grain Hornady SST.
My cartridge: 45-70 Govt with 300 grain Nosler Partition.

Results: His bullet entered the tree. No exit. My bullet exited 16" of tree and penetrated another 6" of the tree behind it.

My suggestion is something larger than .277 inches and heavier than 150 grains. Something above the .400" caliber and above 200 grains would be superb. Anything larger is just extra oomph that will never do you wrong. HOWEVER, it MUST be a premium bullet. Don't go using a 250 grain ballistic tip bullet on a moose, because it could fragment and have nast results. Get a good Barnes, Nosler, etc. that shoots well from your gun.

I used my 45-70 with the new leverllution rounds this year on my muley hunt and it's my new favorite rifle. It's nice to knwo you have a gun that can stop any animal in the world in it's tracks.

[scape111]

I am a Browning man but I am with you on the caliber. I really didn't need the caliber, my brother has one and I let him talk me into it. The gun is a great shooter 3 shot group at 100- 1 clover leaf hole. I will take it on my elk hunt but I will use my .280.

phew! well, probably wouldn't have changed my mind anyways- after FINALLY deciding on the a-bolt... just always curious for other opinions- appreciate the feedback.

[doc44]

Well here I go, I would never hunt a moose with a round that wouldn't leave a good blood trail. I know that you can kill moose, elk, etc with a 30-30, 243 and so on. However as a sportsman and a hunter, since age 9 (i'm 58,Wards bolt 410) big game deserve the best from us. One of my friends, out of money and desperate, living in Alaska with wife and three kids. On a dark and very stormy night(blizzard) heard a very loud noise under his poarch found MR Moose. No gun sold it for food, chopped MR Moose to death with a double bitted ax! I have never had the chance to get a permit to hunt a moose. I have killed 2 elk over 700 lbs and I was at the ambush of a really large Montana moose. I sold the moose shooter a nice 338 and he hit it twice at less then 50 yds. Bummer, the word lethargic nervous system comes to mind, Rd's and ft of water with ice on was the place he died! Use tough bullets and heavier then light for your pet shootin iron. Side shoots, hart and lungs 270, 7 mauser, 303, all strong non- magnums. Seeing that trophy slipping away, you get the "texas hart shot", the quartering away shot. Carry a magnum, 35 Whelan, something that will penatrate 3 or 4 feet of moose. As some have said moose are really big and wounded they can go a long way or turn around and thats not good! Choose with care, hunter and sportsman or trick shooter. No offence to the trick shooters! ( I kind of lean toward the "Elmer Keith" school! Good hunting. p.s. If you live in moose country things are different, you can see more game and spend more time in the woods, it makes a big difference. No offense to the trick shots,HA!

[DblLung]

Wow. I total miss all the "243 is good for anything, its all in the placement" croud. 270 winchester, I my opinion should be the min caliber. But the Finnish peoplr shot the 6.5-55 swedish for moose. Thats because thats what there military round was. Just like our 30-06. I personally would start with the .30 cal and work up and 165 gr or more. Its a big animal that lives in dense enviorment lots of muscle and huge bones. A 270 past 150 yrds may not be able to take on a shoulder. Use as much gun as you can shoot effectivly and you wont be disappointed.

[doc44]

I am a big fan of the 6.5 sweed and if you use the right bullet and can hit what you aim at it's a moose gun. But having said that we forget that the hunting in europe is very different then here. Most hunting is directed by the local gamekeeper, he determins which animal you can shoot and where you will hunt. Shooting is done during hours that we would call to early or to late(that is where the 30mm body and large occuler come in) and they use bullet weight that are heavy for the caliber. We will shoot a 140grn bullit in a sweed and they use 150 to 160grns. We are all hunters but we don't start from the same place. It is funny here we will put $1000 bucks on a browning and put a $200 glass on it, the hunters there will have a$500 rifle with a $1500 dollar scope. We can hunt 20sq miles of BLM land and they hunt on uncle Han's "Area X of all of 500 acres". Here seems better huh!

[moosehuntingSOB]

Speaking from personal experience, and being that I only hunt moose exclusively up here in Quebec. My personal choice is the .300 calibers. I bought a browning BLR pistol grip in 300 WSM a couple of years ago and have taken 3 moose with it no prob, they didn't go far at all. The thing is, most people I know who hunt for moose here all the time use a plain old fashioned 30/30 and take moose all the time. The main reason I use a 300 WSM (now have a tikka t3 lite in .300 rem mag. I'm dyin to try out on moose) is that you never know when you'll come across a real monster or one at 200+ yard or a head on shot etc... In Quebec you don't get many second chances and have to be prepared to take the first available shot. The .300's are IMHO the perfect moose cartridge, bigger cals. than this aren't necessary, again just my opinion from experience. Keep in mind that it is certainly true that most moose opportunities come within 100 yrd. or less where they can be taken by a 30/30, 308 30/06 etc... no problem. I personally choose a .300 cal for those just in case scenarios.

[ke4sky]

I think it is more important to have a rifle which you are familiar with and shoot well, and to select a bullet of proper construction for the game hunted, than to use a more powerful, unfamiliar rifle, which you may not shoot as well.

If the only deer rifle you have is a .25-35 Winchester, .243 Winchester or a .30-30, then I see this as a great excuse and opportunity to buy a new hunting rifle!

However, if you already have a hunting rifle of the .308 Winchester, .270 Winchester or .30-'06 class, which you are familiar with and shoot well, simply load or obtain suitable ammunition with a controlled expansion bullet, on the heavy side for the caliber, brush up on your animal anatomy and practice your marksmanship.

There isn't a thing wrong with Winchester Power-Point or Remington Core Lokt 180-gr. factory loads ts in the .30 calibers or 150-gr. in the .270 for moose. You don't need to buy expensive custom ammo with "trick" bullets. If you handload and want a premium bullet, it's your money, but in my experience the ordinary Speer Hot-Core and Mag-Tip bullets kill the critters just as dead as their more expensive Grand Slams. Speer's standard hunting bullets have a fine track record and are affordable enough that you can use them all the time, learn their trajectory and develop field marksmanship skill and hunting experience with them.

[tjen]

First moose are not hard to kill. Elk seem to be much tougher to bring down then moose. Next moose are big so heavey for caliber bullets are a must. And at what distance your shooting matters. For instance a 160gr/150gr 7mm that works good at 200-300 yards may be to fradgile for a 50 yard shot from a 7mm mag but it would be perfect for the 7mm08.

Just pointing out that in scandanavin countries the 6.5mm swed is king thats our 260rem equivelent.
And for eastern moose most are shot with the 270win 308win,and 30-06. and 303brit. Another older moose killers were the 348win that was replaced by the 358win. And countless were shot with the trusty 35rem and there is no dening that.

So if you have a proven cartridge like the 270win/308/30-06/ use it with confidece with the right bullets. Now if you want a new gun just for moose look to larger bores not a small cal magnum.
The 338federal, 358win, 338-06, 35whelen, 338win mag, and 444marlin/45-70 are all perfect. I did not say 7mm/300mag because they won't do any thing the 280rem and 30-06 won't do at less than 300yards. And if you feel the need for longer shots the 338win mag and its larger bullets are far better.

The 358 250gr @ 2300-2600fps is very effective, as is the 225gr 338 @2400-2800fps

On the corelokts if you are not shooting past 250 yards the round nosed corelokts are soft in the nose but extreamly heavy jacketed in the shank. They hit with a very audible thud do to their lead nose and scoluped jscket and penitrate very well.

[tjen]

I'm not going to give you a 'minimum' suggestion.

However, I will give you a GOOD suggestion.

My buddy and I were elk hunting this week. On our last day, without having bagged an animal, we decided to hold our own impromptu ammo penetration tests.

Our target: 16" thick aspen tree
His cartridge: 270 Winchester, 150 grain Hornady SST.
My cartridge: 45-70 Govt with 300 grain Nosler Partition.

Results: His bullet entered the tree. No exit. My bullet exited 16" of tree and penetrated another 6" of the tree behind it.

My suggestion is something larger than .277 inches and heavier than 150 grains. Something above the .400" caliber and above 200 grains would be superb. Anything larger is just extra oomph that will never do you wrong. HOWEVER, it MUST be a premium bullet. Don't go using a 250 grain ballistic tip bullet on a moose, because it could fragment and have nast results. Get a good Barnes, Nosler, etc. that shoots well from your gun.

If that was a160gr partition I can asure you the 270 would have do its part too maybe beat the 45-70. It was like comparing a 405 gr rem to a 500 gr soild both from a 45-70 I already know that out come.

[dawsonhunters]

i live in northern British Columbia Canada an i know for fact that on guided hunts the minimun caliber for a guided hunt is a 30-06. and they would prefer a magum. but i live by the rule of if you cant shoot accuratly you cant hunt clean. tracking wounded animals take the fun out of hunting. what ever you choose be proficient and get use to it from many positions. happy hunting...

[quackquackbang]

i know a guy who shot a moose with a 22-250 at about 200 yards one shot moose folded like a piece of paper right threw the lungs! Now i would not recomend that gun for moose by no means!!! and i also know some old timers that have shot them with 22 long rifle lol sounds funny but they have and it works get close and put one behind the ear was there saying!! crazy old farts if u ask me!!! i wouldnt go no smaller then a 7mm-08 anything above that will do the job fine! just put it in the boiler room!!!

[mstarbird2000]

Ist thing 1st, check the guildline in your area. I know my state publishes a list of recomended cartridges for moose hunters. Personally I have seen Moose take 4 rounds right in the heart and lungs from a .30-06 before they whent down. From personal Moose Hunting experiance I would take as much gun as you can shoot.

Here is the link I posted last year for the whole Maine moose hunting guide book on-line.

http://www.maine.gov/ifw/licenses_permits/lotteries/pdfs/moosehuntguide2008.pdf

Here is a piece taken from the guide for those that can't open it:

Making The Kill: You should make every effort to kill your moose instantly. This requires use of the proper firearm and the ability to hit vital areas.
To have greatest assurance of making a clean kill, only the larger cartridges are recommended.
NOT Recommended
.243 or .244 (6mm)
.303 Savage
.38-40 Win.
.250 (.250/.3000)
.30-30 Win.
.32 Win. Spec.
.38-55 Win.
.35 Rem.
.25-06
.32 Rem.
.44 Mag.
.351 Win.
.257 Roberts
.32-40 Win.
.44-40 Win.
.30 Rem.
Recommended
.270 Win.
.30-06 Sprfld.
.308 Win.
.284 Win.
.444 Marlin
.280 Rem.
.30-40 Krag.
.348 Win.
.303 British
.8mm Mauser
7 x 57 mm.
.300 Sav.
.358 Win.
As long as the bullet weight is at least 130 grains, the cartridge used is not as important as good shot placement in making a clean kill. Magnum cartridges are not needed for moose.
Moose seldom drop in their tracks when shot and may not show any indications of having been hit. After shooting, it is best to wait a few minutes before beginning the search, and then do so quietly. Pursued immediately, a wounded moose may travel a great distance before dying. Follow-up every shot and follow the moose for a distance even if you don’t find blood at first.

[rooster52]

The guide I had while hunting in Newfoundland told me he has taken arround 25 moose in his life with a Winchester 30-30.He claimed he never shoots over 100 yards and usually closer and the 30-30 is the only rifle he has ever owned and cannot see buying anything else when it does the job.

[cstink]

My grandpa killed his first moose in Alaska with a 1976 f-250. Only took one hit. After that he used a .30-06.

[New Brunswick Bam]

As a moose guide In New Brunswick Canada I would recommend a 30-06 and above with 180 grain bullet and above just My opinion, not than any gun with proper placement would do the trick lets be real we our not for the most part sharp shooters or at least most of the hunters I guide(most our just that hunters) and believe me for the 10+ moose I have guided for would say be prepared for a different experience I have seen very credible deer hunters choke up do to the extreme size and behavior of moose (thrashing, grunting, snorting).
Also that some have mentioned already is the surroundings you have, up here we primarily hunt bogs and clear cuts for moose some long distance shots could be applicable in certain circumstances
Most moose we harvested were in the 50-100 yard range hooked to the call But with only 3 days to hunt moose here in NB one has to be prepared for all possible aspects of the hunt

Have fun and Hunt Safe
Cheers
Bam

[iuseyamahatractors]

I use 30-06 with Hornady 220 grain round nose with 54 grains IMR 4350. 2570 FPS or so. A little under the maximum listed in the book but I have used it for years. Killed 9 moose with it and have seen many more taken by my friends using the same load. I have hit them at 20 yards in the neck and the bullet does its job. I have hit them at 400 yards in the lungs and the bullet does its job. The moose have all gone down in a pile except one that was at 400 yards. He stood not moving while I cranked a second round into him. He fell over dead in my scope as I was getting the third shot ready. One round went through the lungs and the second round went through the top of his heart. If the first round had hit his heart he probably would have took off for a while.

I have seen some amazing long shots with 338 win mag and I have also seen moose run off hit with 300 grains out of a 375 H&H in the ribs. I have also seen moose slammed off their feet with the same 375 H&H. You never really know what is going to happen until it does out moose hunting. I agree with most of the others, shot placement and good tracking skills are essential even with a moose that is piled up it can be a nightmare to find.

I like to get under 200 yards for moose in our country because even with a knock over shot it is hard to find them when you start shooting out further. Be sure to bring along flagging tape to mark where you shot from so you don't get disoriented out thrashing around looking for your moose in the wrong place. I also like to hunt with 2 people and leave a spotter at the place of the shot until you also locate the moose or flag where you shot him and the last place you saw him. There are lots of powerful guns. They all work good but I have had real good luck with this load in my old 06 and the 220 grain Hornady's with the load listed. It works good on bears too. In my opinion bigger slower bullets are better for moose.

[Agunner]

.260 rem, 6.5x55

Anything You would expect of a .30-06 I wouldn't hesitate to try with a 6.5
I imagine this will be found inflamatory, but only to guys who only own .308 caliber'd rifles.
In Europe the 6.5 seems to hold the same position the 06 does here (public opinion wise)

Moose aren't hard to kill.
Hardest thing is NOT shooting them where they can get into a miserable place to butcher.

[Agunner]

My grandpa killed his first moose in Alaska with a 1976 f-250. Only took one hit. After that he used a .30-06.

Be-cuz ... you can use the rifle on more than one moose?

[meatmachineman]

Here's a quote taken from an online article on the 6.5x55 from guns and ammo... http://www.gunsandammomag.com/cs/Satellite/IMO_GA/Story_C/The+6.5x55+Swede

"The 6.5x55, 6.5 Swede, Swede Mauser or whatever people call it is effective on most any big game that is pursued. Some say it might be too light for elk-size critters, but Scandinavians will dispute that statement. I would almost be willing to wager that more moose have been harvested using the 6.5x55 in Sweden, Norway and Finland than elk have been added to the freezer using the .30-06 in the U.S."


The 6.5 is a very impressive round. Still popular today, especially in Europe and is older than the 06.

[bearhunter]

This thread is like a zombie! It never dies!!!

I'd say the 30-30.

[meatmachineman]

This thread is like a zombie! It never dies!!!

I'd say the 30-30.

It happens!

[bearhunter]

It happens!


It's just BEYOND crazy!!! This thread has been around for just about 2 years longer than the AOBS Thread! Half the people that have posted don't even have accounts anymore!

[meatmachineman]

It's just BEYOND crazy!!! This thread has been around for just about 2 years longer than the AOBS Thread! Half the people that have posted don't even have accounts anymore!

You gotta figure, though, most of the newer threads that get posted, usually are already covered in a past thread. Given that, for the most part, we need not post anymore threads. Sometimes it's just fun to start rehashing a subject when a newer member digs up a dinosaur to comment on!

[meatmachineman]

But yeah, this one is a bit fossilized!

[bearhunter]

But yeah, this one is a bit fossilized!


Yeah seriously! 2005!?!?!???!?!??!! That's probably one of (if not the) fist post(s).

[alpinehunter]

well, it is quite true that here in Europe the 6.5 S.M. is still popular. It's true that it is used for moose hunting in scandinavian countries, but bear in mind that they use dogs for mose hunting, and shoots usually are much nearer than you can think (under 100 yds). An old glorious caliber, for sure, but if i will ever shoot a moose, be sure i'll use a good old .300 win. mag. Or, if you do like odd european calibers, an 8X68S will do the job greatly.

[tjen]

Its not what is the min cal, but what are some good moose cartridges that are proven to work at their effective ranges.

Keep in mind that MOST cartridges with MAG in their name only mean you have more range and they are no more effective at 100 yards than lesser same cal cartridges IE 30-06 vrs 300mag. And for the smaller cals bullets of + .280 SD are best. Like the 140gr in a 6.5mm.

For most hunting I would say 270win and a 150gr partition or simular bullet. So 280 rem will work as will a 7mm08 too. There are so many moose killed with 270win, 308win, 30-06's it is a given they work very well. I have seen a few dropped by the 270win and very effectively at that.

That said I like the 35whelen as a step up in cal and perfer it to any 30 cal mag or not! same as I do a 338-06 or a 338win because of the larger heavier bullet. Speed is not needed to effectively drop moose. At 125 yards or less a 35rem is very lethal and seen the LE ammo came out Alaskan hunters have posted how well it works at +200 yards on the biggest moose.

So I do not put any stock in nothing less than a ****** its realy what bullet and at what impact velocity and I lean to the larger dia bores. But I have a 270win, a 35rem, and a 35whelen thats have all taken moose.

[Agunner]

It's known that I am fond of the musket (9.3x62) and that you are fond of it's american cousin ... but this 8x68 ... this sounds like quite a beast! Surely no minum for anything! I must hear more.

[meatmachineman]

It's known that I am fond of the musket (9.3x62) and that you are fond of it's american cousin ... but this 8x68 ... this sounds like quite a beast! Surely no minum for anything! I must hear more.

That 8x68 looks quite potent. It's able chuck a 225g piece of metal downrange at about 2900fps with 4000ftlb of poop behind it.

[wasgas]

I have not hunted moose but would think that a well placed shot from most .277 and up calibers would work, but as with any other hunt why go with the minumum? I would think that most moose hunters would not be trying to hunt with a $15 box of target ammo and stand injuring and loosing the animal.

I would also guess that the bullet type would possibly be more important than caliber in many cases. I like the Sierra Game kings as they are brutal when hitting the vitals of a deer or elk, but would never dream of using them on a Elk shoulder or an even bigger animal.

[joeyhunter]

7mm/08 is all you need !!!!

[Oldtrader3]

I have hunted moose but never have killed one. I would use anything from a .30-06, 180 Partition on up. Actually, I own a .340 Bee and would probably use it.

[iuseyamahatractors]

My grandpa killed his first moose in Alaska with a 1976 f-250. Only took one hit. After that he used a .30-06.

I got one with a 1987 Honda Accord. The F-250 is definitely a better choice.

[Agunner]

I got one with a 1987 Honda Accord. The F-250 is definitely a better choice.
So.. your saying the F250 might be good for "more than one" moose?

[iuseyamahatractors]

So.. your saying the F250 might be good for "more than one" moose?

No. Just that the F-250 holds together much better on moose than a Honda Accord. In my experience the Accord fragmented on impact and had very little weight retention while the F-250 does a much more uniform mushroom and tends to hold together much better. On smaller game like rabbits and grouse, the Accord comes into its own. Neither projectile is reusable to my knowledge.

[C. Schutte]

No. Just that the F-250 holds together much better on moose than a Honda Accord. In my experience the Accord fragmented on impact and had very little weight retention while the F-250 does a much more uniform mushroom and tends to hold together much better. On smaller game like rabbits and grouse, the Accord comes into its own. Neither projectile is reusable to my knowledge.



This guy knows of which he speaks. The Honda is strictly a deer round! The mighty F-250 has a much larger Sectional density and will hold together much better especially if equiped with the FMJ. (Ranch Hand Bumper with grill guard).. :>)

[Agunner]

This guy knows of which he speaks. The Honda is strictly a deer round! The mighty F-250 has a much larger Sectional density and will hold together much better especially if equiped with the FMJ. (Ranch Hand Bumper with grill guard).. :>)


This is good! Now I am learning to increase lethality of the ranch truck!
You guys ... this is what keeps me coming back.
I'm dying to see what will happen next.

[lbcowan]

I have taken many a moose with a 270 using a 150 grain nosler partition Yes a 270.

My son continues to use a 270 and has taken moose and elk.
we have had great success useing this caliber and our preferance for a rifle is a rugar 77

[meatmachineman]

This guy knows of which he speaks. The Honda is strictly a deer round! The mighty F-250 has a much larger Sectional density and will hold together much better especially if equiped with the FMJ. (Ranch Hand Bumper with grill guard).. :>)

So if I'm reading this right, the Honda will have a tendency to shatter if hits bone? Sure the honda is light and fast, but there's something about those large bore medium velocity f-250s with impressive downrange energy.

[PWandLD]

I agree with what's already been said but as for myself, I have here in Maine, personally shot 2 moose and was a subpermittee for another. #1 moose was a small bull dressed at 569 lb.s traveled 20 yds after one shot through the neck at 50 Yrds. It was a 30.06 reload with Hornady 165 gr. BTSP with 51 gr. Win. 268. #2 moose was a 620lb. cow with a 444 Marlin 290 gr Beartooth LFNGC and 51 gr. Hodgdon H322. One shot at 90 yrd.s behind shoulder knocked her down almost in her tracks. This bullet worked perfectly with 95% weight retention. #3 moose was a bull that dressed at 960 Lb.s shot 4 times with a 7MM Rem Mag. with factory ammo. I felt the 7MM was too much gun. I hope this helps.

[tjen]

I agree with what's already been said but as for myself, I have here in Maine, personally shot 2 moose and was a subpermittee for another. #1 moose was a small bull dressed at 569 lb.s traveled 20 yds after one shot through the neck at 50 Yrds. It was a 30.06 reload with Hornady 165 gr. BTSP with 51 gr. Win. 268. #2 moose was a 620lb. cow with a 444 Marlin 290 gr Beartooth LFNGC and 51 gr. Hodgdon H322. One shot at 90 yrd.s behind shoulder knocked her down almost in her tracks. This bullet worked perfectly with 95% weight retention. #3 moose was a bull that dressed at 960 Lb.s shot 4 times with a 7MM Rem Mag. with factory ammo. I felt the 7MM was too much gun. I hope this helps.

Ouh don't say that here we do not believe any bullet under 3000fps could kill deer let alone a moose!
I got whiped for say a 420gr hards cast has traveled north to south on Buffalo and rino and from what I remember was say 1500fps ish from a 45-70.

Thats a great 444 load your toting should be good for deer and bear as well. I think at 100 yards I like my 35rem better than my 270win for moose, but would rather use tmy 358win or whelen.

[C. Schutte]

So if I'm reading this right, the Honda will have a tendency to shatter if hits bone? Sure the honda is light and fast, but there's something about those large bore medium velocity f-250s with impressive downrange energy.



There is just no substitute for big. Big is not only good, it is better. Because moose are big you really need a big hunk of swinging metal to get the job done. Don't sell the F-250 short in the speed department either. It is not as medium velocity as you might think! Loaded properly (diesel) it has a MV right there with the Honda. When you consider the heavy magnum powders (bully dog chip) it will smoke a Honda. With twice the weight and the stouter construction the Honda can't even hold the F-250's grill guard.

[mstarbird2000]

With twice the weight and the stouter construction the Honda can't even hold it's grill guard.

Plus after its all said and done you can put the moose and whats left of the honda in the back of the F-250.

[Billy Bob]

I have taken many a moose with a 270 using a 150 grain nosler partition Yes a 270.

My son continues to use a 270 and has taken moose and elk.
we have had great success useing this caliber and our preferance for a rifle is a rugar 77
I have just what your referring to:
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a269/CaptnBob/Copy6ofDeerHunting11-19-05032.jpg
And this Ruger is the Bi-Centennial edition as it's engraved on the barrel.

[Oldtrader3]

Shown is a Ford F-250, .340 B with enhanced suspension and cattleguard on the front (just for Moose and Elk).

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b204/Oldtrader3/-340MarkV.jpg

[all_about _the_chase]

Here is my minimum caliber for moose...

http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww98/LongBomber/bumper.jpg

I'm just not a "Ford Guy"