What G2 caliber for Caribou?

[Omega]

I've hunted caribou several times across the north. I've shot them with everything from a muzzle loader to a 375 H&H. Caribou are not tough to kill, like anything else, one through the boiler room and they are done. How long they can live with a hole through the lungs is the surprising part. These durable little critters put anything else to shame in that department. I always have a long range caliber with me even if it means a second gun. Too often a real buster is way out there and there is no way to make the sneak or worse yet cut them off as they are constantly on the move. Only one caliber for me would be a .338 mag or 7 STW, something that is accurate out to 400 yards and has good enough bullets to be predictable in the wind.

[TnEncore]

How about a 375 JDJ  

[Omega]

How about a 375 JDJ  

A 220 grain bullet launching at 2200 fps is a long range choice? :eek:

[flatlander]

I think that in the G2, the 309 JDJ might be a great one to consider for what you are doing. I've shot one in handgun length, and it really zips them out there. You can get 2400+ fps with a 165 bullet out of pistol length barrels, so you should be able to top that in a carbine.

[bpjon]

How about a 375 JDJ  

A 220 grain bullet launching at 2200 fps is a long range choice? :eek:

His stated maximum range is 200 yards.  I would think 2200 fps should suffice.

[Omega]

How about a 375 JDJ  

A 220 grain bullet launching at 2200 fps is a long range choice? :eek:

His stated maximum range is 200 yards.  I would think 2200 fps should suffice.

Yep, and as someone who's done it a few times I told him that much longer shots often present themselves.
2,200 FPS? why not take a 209x50 ML barrel?

[Biathlonman]

I've got an SSK .375 JDJ carbine in the classified section.     I think it should be your choice!   lol

[Questor]

Before going the custom route, I'd take a good look at what can be done with the 30-30 and premium bullets, like a Nosler Partition spitzer.  That may be good enough.  At those velocities, perhaps the Nosler ballistic tip will be a good choice because it will expand well at the lower velocities.

[Graycg]

I would strongly recommend the 309 JDJ, with 165 grain Ballistic tips you are in good shape for 'bou!

good luck,
 graycg

[Graycg]

Split the difference and get a 358 JDJ!!!  I have one available cheap!

regards,
 graycg

[mikemayberry]

Chris,

What are the barrel length rules for Canada?  Is the 16 inch rule the same to determine rifle vs. pistol?  I'm just asking because I have always been led to believe there are no handguns allowed into Canada.

Caution--I'm not trying to tell you I know the answer, I am trying to learn what the answer is.

Thanks,


Mike

[Omega]

Is the 16 inch rule the same to determine rifle vs. pistol?

Barrel must longer than 18". There is no handgun hunting allowed in Canada.

[mikemayberry]

Chris, glad to have brought a meaningful element to the discussion.  I always knew they would not allow handguns in Canada but had never heard what the minimum length allowed is. Now I know --  18 inches!

Of course that still leaves lots of great choices.  After having shot a G2 for the first time last weekend, I would think one with 18-20 inch barrel in the right caliber would carry and shoot very well.

Mike

[Graybeard]

That .358 JDJ idea is a really good one if you want that level of recoil. In a 14" barrel I easily got 2300 fps with 225s without even using the max SSK recommended load. In a rifle I'd guess you could do that with 250s if you wanted and you can use bullets from 180 to 250 grains. It is really my favorite of the big bore JDJs and darn near the equal of the .35 Whelan as generally loaded by most.

GB

[Omega]

going on a Caribou hunt in Canada next year.  

Just curious, where and with who?

[Daveinthebush]

When traveling to any small community or out of country you might want to consider a standard, over the counter caliber.  If you have an ammunition problem you will be able to buy some.  If you go with the other rounds you might be clicking a camera instead.

The .308 Win. is plenty, accurate and available anywhere.

[Questor]

If you're driving, just take the ammo with you. If you're flying, you may need to send the ammo to the outfitter before your hunt. Either way, you shouldn't have a problem securing the ammo of your choice.

[cam69conv]

Hello Ck...Im new here and I read your lil prob on the decision you have...I have hunted and taken several bous in my days with both rifle and bow..If you need the right caliber for a sweet shot and awsome knockdown you can never fail with a good .270....Now alot may dissagree on this but here is the secret...Hornady's sst ballistic tips...If you reload yourself they are great to sweeten up to see what your rifle likes to eat...But they are also sold over the counter...You have a fantastic flat trajectory with this cal. and with the right tips a gr8 wound channel..My last bou was a 325 yard shot in the boiler maker and it only took half a step...Gr8 luck on your journey and hopr you have a fantastic time

[dukkillr]

i caribou hunted a few years ago with Jack Hume Adventures in northern Quebec.  I had a great time and could answer any questions about the outfitter if anyone is interested.  My main point was to say that I took 2, 20 round boxes with me, and returned with 37 shells, two caribou, and one "sight-in".  I took my .300 Win Mag in a Stainless Model 700.  My advice is this:  take something stainless if you have it, it rained/sleeted/snowed part or all of my 6 hunting days.  I only saw the sun for about 10 hours total;  the other piece of advice is to take a caliber that you can shoot well.  The shots can be long, and caribou are not tough.  I would say anything above the .243 would be fine, just as long as you are comfortable with shooting it.  Be prepared for the weather and shoot anything that would kill a large whitetail and you'll be ready.