Author Topic: Caliber for moose and elk (Read 1104 times)

Deaf Smith · « **on:** May 22, 2004, 05:44:44 PM »

OK its official I have traded away the 45/70 barrel instead of trying another muzzlebreak on it. I instead got a more easily handleable caliber from Eds.
Now in the future )not for at least a year or so so I have lots of time to consider it. I need a barrel and caliber good enough for elk/moose sized game that can be handled MUCH easier than the 45/70. First thinking is the 375 winchester in a 12 or 14" barrel but is that enough for animals in that size class? (If I save my pennies I could do some exotic hunting every couple of years for some really neat stuff) Or do I need to look for a different caliber? I can handle the recoil of the 14" 30-30 easily but The 45/70 was too much for me in the end, especually now with carpel tunnel in both hands. so what advice can you folks give me on this issue.
Jim L

Bob C · « **Reply #1 on:** May 23, 2004, 03:46:42 AM »

I'm very pleased with the accuracy of my 14" .30 GNR barrel, and recoil is very manageable, less than a 10" .44 magnum.

I also have a.358 JDJ which is also very accurate. Recoil with maximum loads is significantly more than with the .30 GNR.

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #2 on:** May 23, 2004, 04:12:50 AM »

Exactly what is a 30 GNR? I know its a reeder caliber but thats about all I do know can you give me some details on it? whats the parrent case how much trouble is it to make and whar caliber barrel does Gary need to rechamber to it? what is the veleciry and energy levels and with what bullets? I am assimong its a 30 caliber what is its preimer bullet weight?
any details would be welcomed. also how does this compare to the 309 jdj? Just wondering.
thanks for any and all information.
Jim L

Bob C · « **Reply #3 on:** May 23, 2004, 04:22:29 AM »

It's an improved 30/30, with a much shorter neck than the 30/30 AI. It's capacity and the potential velocity, fall between the 30/30 AI and the .309 JDJ.

Mine is a rechambered factory 30/30 barrel. Gary's turn around was about two weeks.

I've used 125, 130 and 150 grain bullets in mine, and have had good results with IMR 3031 and IMR 4895. Others have had excellent results with IMR 4198 and the 125 Noslers.

Here's the link to Gary's web site which has info on this caliber.

http://www.reedercustomguns.com/information/GNR_cartridges.htm

Ladobe · « **Reply #4 on:** May 23, 2004, 05:01:01 AM »

Less thump than a 45/70? .... the 338#2, 358 and 375 JDJ's are all very manageable with JD's SSK Arrestor MB on them, and all very reliable for elk/moose sized game. The 309JDJ maybe if ranges are close enough. FFT -
Ladobe :bye:

onesonek · « **Reply #5 on:** May 23, 2004, 05:33:46 AM »

As much as I'm not fond of brakes in big game hunting, with your extenuating circumstance. I would opt for a 358 win with a JP brake for elk. You deffinately want hearing protection. jmo

Gregory · « **Reply #6 on:** May 23, 2004, 06:44:45 AM »

What about the good old 44 Mag? I would think if the range were kept short, it would work fine.

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #7 on:** May 23, 2004, 09:31:57 AM »

445 super mag? isnt that just a longer 44 magnum? How is the power and recoil on that round? Just wondering if it would be worth it. I could look for a barrel in 445 or have a 44mag rechambered. any ideas?
Jim L

Graybeard · « **Reply #8 on:** May 23, 2004, 11:55:05 AM »

Don't over look the .357 Herrett and .35 Remington. Both are adequate if you place you bullets right and recoil is pretty mild with 200 grain bullets in both. I suspect that recoil level is gonna be about all you want with your medical problem. At reasonable ranges the .30-30 or .30-30AI are enough. The .309 JDJ is an excellent choice but recoil maybe more than you want.

GB

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #9 on:** May 23, 2004, 01:04:13 PM »

then maybe the 30GNR is the right choice? in a 14" barrel? Would that be better than the origional optiuon og the 375 winchester?
Jim L

bigbore442001 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 23, 2004, 02:19:59 PM »

I had a 14" .445 Supermag and it seemed to have the same,if not worse,felt recoil than my 45-70 barrel.Both of teh barrels are unported and shot well. It seemed that the 445 has a quicker kick than the 45-70. That is something to keep in mind.

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #11 on:** May 23, 2004, 04:46:07 PM »

the 30 GNR and the 375 Winchester.
Jim L

Lone Star · « **Reply #12 on:** May 23, 2004, 04:47:01 PM »

I've used both the .35 Remington and the .300 Savage extensively in my Contenders, although only the .35 on moose. Recoil from both is well under heavy .45-70 levels, but the .35 with 220s or 250s still gets your attention. The .300 is a great chambering for the Contender ( I assume that is the format you have ) as factory loads are safe but handloading can improve performace a bit - particularly in bullet selection. The .300 is ample for deer and caribou, and can certainly kill any moose or elk with decent bullet placement.

We read a bunch about guys having to use a .338 or .375 rifle for either animal - but the reality is a .308 rifle is plenty for a hunter. We all know that a handgun hunter can use less gun than a rifleman yet still get equal results.... :-)

flyfisher · « **Reply #13 on:** May 24, 2004, 05:51:49 AM »

Big fan of the .375 Win., and that should be enough power. Others to consider (some have been mentioned): 375 JDJ (probably worse than the recoil of the 45/70??), 35 Rem, 445 Supermag, even a .357 Max at close ranges.

xphunter · « **Reply #14 on:** May 24, 2004, 09:56:52 AM »

With the recoil being an issue I think I would pick on of the 30 cal wildcats. Even the 7x30 Waters would work at reasonable ranges.

gurtie · « **Reply #15 on:** May 25, 2004, 02:14:52 AM »

Go with the 209x50.

Deaf Smith · « **Reply #16 on:** May 25, 2004, 04:09:43 AM »

That doesnt fit the CONTENDER does it? I thought that would only work on the encore? Which I don't own. where can I get one for the 209x50 for the Contender if one does fit?
thanks
Jim L

xphunter · « **Reply #17 on:** May 25, 2004, 04:15:48 AM »

Deaf,
Another 30 cal wildcat is the 308 B...m. Virgin Valley is now chambering this cartridge. It will equal the 309 JDJ and your dies will be cheaper.

Ernie

ernie1@ourtownusa.net

Ladobe · « **Reply #18 on:** May 25, 2004, 05:19:38 AM »

Quote from: Deaf Smith

That doesnt fit the CONTENDER does it? I thought that would only work on the encore? Which I don't own. where can I get one for the 209x50 for the Contender if one does fit?
thanks
Jim L

http://www.bullberry.com/

Darrell H · « **Reply #19 on:** May 25, 2004, 05:31:34 AM »

quote by gurtie:

Quote

Go with the 209x50.

I hate to disagree with you gurtie, but I have a 14 1/2" Encore barrel in 209X50 and I consider it a short range hog and deer weapon. I have killed two hogs with it and they did not die quick enough to make me feel comfortable shooting at an animal as large as an elk or moose unless they were VERY close. Also this thing kicks pretty good too, I believe that was a determining factor.

Deaf Smith,

As Ladobe said, a 209X50 is available as a custom option from custom gun makers like Bullberry, VVCG, etc. I got mine from Bullberry for the Encore, but they also make them for the Contender.

First of all let me qualify my experience. Total moose killed by x-caliber =0. Total elk killed by x-caliber = 0. Having clarified that, if I wanted a moose/elk cartridge for the Contender that doesn't recoil badly I would have to say go with something like a 30-30 Improved or .309 JDJ and keep the ranges reasonable. I think that that is the key for any handgun hunting is to shoot animals with enough gun at reasonable ranges. My personal preference however, for an elk/moose handgun would be a .308 Winchester in a 16-17" Encore barrel shooting good bullets.

Good luck with whatever you decide!!

X

rickyp · « **Reply #20 on:** May 25, 2004, 11:45:08 AM »

Deaf Smith,
I have a 14 inch 209x50 CONTENDER barrel. If you want more information about my 209x50 shoot me and email and I will be happy to answer your questions.
If i had your limits I may be considering the (not in any order)
1) 357/44 B&D
2) 357 herrett
3) 357 max
4)41 mag
5) 414 super mag
6)44 mag
7) 45 long colt
I would keep keep the distance to well under 100 yards with any round you consider. Bullet construction and placement is a lot more critical then with the larger rounds

xphunter · « **Reply #21 on:** May 25, 2004, 06:16:22 PM »

Deaf,
I have shot a several elk (4-cows & 2-bulls) with a 7mm 140 grain Nosler Partition (shot placement and choice of bullet is always vital in my opinion). Impact velocity on this bullet on elk has been from 2500 fps down to 2000 fps with dead elk on every occasion. Some of the 30 cal wildcat cartridges push a 150 grainer right at 2400 fps. If the 150 30 cal partition performs as well as the 140 7mm has for me then you will be at 2,000 fps @ 250 yards (elev. 8500 ft above sea level). I believe 250 yards is the extreme range for this bullet at this velocity, but it should easily drop an elk at under 100 yards.

Ernie