Favorite cartridge/rifle for moose

ldmay375

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Just curious as to what other hunters prefer for moose hunting. I am fully aware that you can kill them with anything, shot placement, and other standard comments.

My typical shooting distances have varied from about 25 yds to approximately 180 yds. In my present hunting area 225 yds would be maximum visibility. 25 yard to 75 yds are probably the most likely shots. Shot times have varied from early morning, mid-afternoon, and very late evening. Conditions usually fog/mist, rain, and on the rare occasional sunny.

I am a fan of 323/8mm through 416 calibers.

My personal used favorites are:
338 Winchester, 24” stainless Ruger rifle
375 Ruger, 20” barrel stainless Ruger rifle
416 Ruger, 20” barrel stainless Ruger rifle
I may break tradition and hunt with a 325 WSM this year. If it returns from the gunsmith in time. I like this cartridge. I have carried it once prior, but no legal cooperative bull was seen.

Scopes vary, and change at times. But, 1.1-4x24, 1-6x24, 1.5-6x42, 1.5-8x42 dominate my scope use. I like scopes with ample field of views, and a highly visible reticles. I prefer 60’ at 100 yards as a minimum field of view.
 
My favourite moose rifle is my .308 Browning BLR. I just love hunting with that rifle. I see you prefer the big bores, but for the size of them, moose aren't as hard to kill as some people think. All my other moose hunting crew are an even split between the .308 and .30-06 and I've got a 50/50 score between the .308 and 7mm Rem Mag. We've killed a LOT of moose with those three calibers. Your .338, .375 and .416 will certainly put them on the ground!
 
My favorite is 7mm rem mag with 150gr TTSX or 156gr oryx.
Have a Tikka M65 with a Swarovski z6i 1,7-10x42.
Have shot some mosse with 375hh,8x57 and 7x65R but like the RM best.
More "death" in that one.
 
Marlin MXLR, .338 Marlin Express. I had doubts about the FTX bullets at first but not anymore. The seven bulls I've killed were one shot affairs. Prior to acquiring my MXLR I had used a Ruger 77 in .300 WinMag. and it worked just dandy. My largest bull came via a Marlin 336 in .35 Remington.

Yes, moose is fabulous table fare; it's a regular part of my meals several times a week.
 
My favourite moose rifle is my .308 Browning BLR. I just love hunting with that rifle. I see you prefer the big bores, but for the size of them, moose aren't as hard to kill as some people think. All my other moose hunting crew are an even split between the .308 and .30-06 and I've got a 50/50 score between the .308 and 7mm Rem Mag. We've killed a LOT of moose with those three calibers. Your .338, .375 and .416 will certainly put them on the ground!
I have never owned a BLR, but have come close a time or two.
No doubt, I do like bigger bores. But, I like shooting them in general. At 200 yards / meters I don’t feel handicapped with my 416. I am very fond of 2 particular rifles that I have in 375 & 416. They are my most used.
I know several folks that use the 30-06 and 270 Winchester each year. And of course the 300 Winchester is very popular, as well as the 338 Winchester.
If I were to hunt unfamiliar territory, I would use my 338 Winchester. It certainly covers any distance that I would shoot, near or far. I am a confirmed fan of the 338 Winchester being my choice of do-all cartridge. But, I like several other cartridges for more theoretical specific use.
 
Will be doing my first moose hunt later this year in BC, assuming the border opens for travel. Debating whether to take my 338 WM or 375 Ruger. I put a new scope on the 375, so leaning towards taking it.
 
Wether you`re trophy hunting large moose or hunting for the meat makes for a huge difference.
Trophy hunting 375H&H is my definite first choice. Normal hunting as we do it here in Scandinavia with dogs 8x57JS is my absolute favourite. I like to get in quite close with open sights. Its exiting and challenging but also to have control over the whereabouts of eventual loose dogs.

When I was stalking a large moose standing for a dog carrying my 375, the dog got aware of me so when the moose charged the dog, the damn fleebag came like a rocket out of the bush towards me with the moose just a few yards behind. By a reflex and with intention I shot the moose in the shoulder area. What a mess.. We had to throw I would estimate 30-40 lbs or more of good meat. Could`nt even give it to the dogs.
 
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I have not had the pleasure of hunting moose, but I like the idea of using the Ruger Guide Gun in 338 Win Mag or 375 Ruger. Do moose make for good eating?
Moose are fine eating.
 
Moose are fine eating.
My favourite North American game meat. Enjoyed moose roast for supper last night and in sandwiches for lunch today!
 
I’m planning on using a .338 mag of some type (Win, RUM or Wby) when I pursue moose.

Will be doing my first moose hunt later this year in BC, assuming the border opens for travel. Debating whether to take my 338 WM or 375 Ruger. I put a new scope on the 375, so leaning towards taking it.
I am a big fan of the 338 Winchester and the 225 grain TSX or similar bullet. I usually use my 375 or 416, but have yet to see one drop any faster than one I shot broadside chest with a 338 Winchester.
 

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