Hunting large game and caliber selection... (homes, rain, water)

[RayinAK]

A .30-06, Federal Vital Shock load with 180-grain bullet: Nosler Accubond, Barnes TSX, or Nosler Partition. The scope should be somewhere between 1.75x and 3x on the low side, and between 6x and 8x on the high side.

That said, the most popular cartridges with big game hunters in Alaska are the .30-06, .300WM, and .338WM. My favorite is the .338WM, but the .30-06 is plenty for moose.

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by warptman

Hunting for meat or the antlers?

I'm always hunting for meat but I can't say that I wouldn't have a serious case of fever looking at a 60+ bull.

This is a hunt through an outfitter that I've been invited to attend by someone that I respect a great deal and invited in such a manner that it would be impossible to turn down and there will be some pressure to kill antlers and there is a faux pas available if I get snooty or judgemental with others in attendance that I have less respect for. I think I know why you ask and I hope that answers it...

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by RayinAK

A .30-06, Federal Vital Shock load with 180-grain bullet: Nosler Accubond, Barnes TSX, or Nosler Partition. The scope should be somewhere between 1.75x and 3x on the low side, and between 6x and 8x on the high side.

That said, the most popular cartridges with big game hunters in Alaska are the .30-06, .300WM, and .338WM. My favorite is the .338WM, but the .30-06 is plenty for moose.

Is there any way I could know what shot distances to expect for a "glassing" hunt?

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by jimboburnsy

Is there any way I could know what shot distances to expect for a "glassing" hunt?

Shots on moose average 150 yards on the far end, and perhaps 50 yards up close, except for bow hunters since these take very close shots. My hunting partner killed a moose a few years ago, from perhaps 25 yards away. He was calling (with grunts), and the moose walked-in from behind

The closest I have killed moose at has been 75 yards, and the farthest 275. However, I watch and hunt moose from a stationary position on a rocky knob. I watch two large open fields, one at each side of the point, and the center of each field is around 175 yards.

Glassing is another thing all together, since most times one spots the moose at long distances. This kind of hunting requires closing the distance on foot, or horse, or ATV, and so forth. A lot of people call this type of hunting "spot & stalk," and applies not only to moose, but to bear hunting as well.

[Marty Van Diest]

You should ask the guide what type of shooting to expect. It is rare to need to shoot long distances for moose. I have shot a lot of moose over the years and I don't think any of them were further than 125 yards and I can think of three that were less than 8 yards. One of those three was charging. A 3006 is fine. It's what I use.

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by Marty Van Diest

You should ask the guide what type of shooting to expect. It is rare to need to shoot long distances for moose. I have shot a lot of moose over the years and I don't think any of them were further than 125 yards and I can think of three that were less than 8 yards. One of those three was charging. A 3006 is fine. It's what I use.

You are correct. It's best to check with the guide about such things.

[akpls]

If you can't kill a moose with an '06 you have no business hunting. I use a 7x57 and my son uses a 7mm-08. Know your gun and how to shoot it accurately and you will have no problem.

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by akpls

If you can't kill a moose with an '06 you have no business hunting. I use a 7x57 and my son uses a 7mm-08. Know your gun and how to shoot it accurately and you will have no problem.

You know, this is essentially what the little voice in the back of my head was screaming when I was being told that you absolutely must have at minimum a .30 cal. magnum to hunt in AK.

I sent an email to the outfitter requesting information about what shot distances I should be preparing for and at what bullet size and whether or not a .30-06 would be underpowered.

I'll let you guys know what he says.

[Glitch]

I agree with DannyL and RayinAK, a .3006 with an 180-grain round is sufficient to take down a moose. You also will not be shooting further than about 100 to 150 yards. Remember, never shoot a moose standing in water!

It should also be noted that shooting big game (except for swimming caribou in certain Game Management Units) with a .22 or any rim-fire round, is illegal in Alaska.

[JohnHAdams]

The .375 H&H is the minimum for a lot of African game. Good load for Alaskan bear as well. But the barrel is pretty heavy of course.

Your 30-06 is just fine for moose. If this hunt could very legitimately land you a trophy for the wall....I'd go for a .338 Magnum I think. But then you may as well get your .375 if Africa is in the sights.

Good luck!