Big game calibers
07-04-2007, 05:20 PM
#13
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kodiak, AK
Posts: 2,877
RE: Big game calibers
ORIGINAL: StillHunter90
If your talking about all those big game animals stick with .30 caliber or larger. Really it all comes down to shot placement . Learn the vital areas of whatever your after. As mentioned the .325 wsm and .338 are great cartridges.The .375H&H is overkill for mostbig game in North americaand you dont need all that power unless your after big bears like grizzlys. But it will do the trick for sure with minimal if any tracking if you want to shell out$65.00 or more for 20 shells, and have a large enough frame to handle the serious recoil. The 30-06 has relatively light recoil and has taken every big game animal in North America as well. Best of all you can find ammo for it anywhere. Everyone stocks it.Bullet weights range from 130 grains up to 220 grains with both pointed bullets and round nose bullets. It all boils down to personal choice and what you can shoot well.
If your talking about all those big game animals stick with .30 caliber or larger. Really it all comes down to shot placement . Learn the vital areas of whatever your after. As mentioned the .325 wsm and .338 are great cartridges.The .375H&H is overkill for mostbig game in North americaand you dont need all that power unless your after big bears like grizzlys. But it will do the trick for sure with minimal if any tracking if you want to shell out$65.00 or more for 20 shells, and have a large enough frame to handle the serious recoil. The 30-06 has relatively light recoil and has taken every big game animal in North America as well. Best of all you can find ammo for it anywhere. Everyone stocks it.Bullet weights range from 130 grains up to 220 grains with both pointed bullets and round nose bullets. It all boils down to personal choice and what you can shoot well.
07-04-2007, 05:27 PM
#14
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Land of Rocks, Ozarks of Mo.
Posts: 3,048
RE: Big game calibers
If you like big bores the Win. 358 with 250's out to 250 yds. is really nice. It doesn't give nothing to any of the others and won't tear your shoulder off![8D]
07-04-2007, 08:26 PM
#15
Typical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Denver, Colorado
Posts: 599
RE: Big game calibers
"....I am looking for a rifle with great knockdown power for bear, caribou, elk, moose, deer, well just about all big game...."
Of the assortment of rifles I have to choose from to satisfy that order, I'd go for the 375 H&H.
IMHO, it is a really easy going "hammer".
Got bigger.
Got smaller.
BTW, 270Win makes for a very satisfactory speed goat rifle.
07-04-2007, 08:42 PM
#16
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: WV
Posts: 4,484
RE: Big game calibers
I have a feeling that with that broad a range of critters mentioned by the poster, he's looking for a "first" real rifle. In that case, get the 30-06 in a solid bolt action with some good glass, get some decent priced ammo, and go to the range to see how it all works for you.
07-05-2007, 08:37 AM
#19
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,085
RE: Big game calibers
I second B.B.A. on the 9.3 x 62...
Handles bullets from 232 to 320 grains, is capable of 250-300 yard shots and kicks noticeably less than a .338...
I have one in a CZ 550 American and it groups under an inch at 100 yards with Barnes 250 grain X bullets... Nice cartridge...
I've used mine on coyotes, whitetails, caribou and moose and it performed well... Everything I hit with it was DRT..
Handles bullets from 232 to 320 grains, is capable of 250-300 yard shots and kicks noticeably less than a .338...
I have one in a CZ 550 American and it groups under an inch at 100 yards with Barnes 250 grain X bullets... Nice cartridge...
I've used mine on coyotes, whitetails, caribou and moose and it performed well... Everything I hit with it was DRT..
07-05-2007, 10:58 AM
#20
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: MISSOURI
Posts: 1,157
RE: Big game calibers
I would use my 45/70,it has great knockdown power.If that is what you are after.Farther out the .300wm or .338wm will serve you well.Take bear out of the question and I would use my .270wsm.