Author Topic: .308 Bullet for moose (Read 2260 times)

Mayor of Hobbs Knob · « **on:** July 09, 2006, 12:42:55 PM »

Drew a Maine moose permit after many years applying. Plan to use my Browning BLR in .308. Have called several moose and as my permit is for the early season I should be able to get the critters in close. A shot as long as 100 yards would be unusual. My rifle doesn't like 180 gr. bullets so I'm looking at 165's. I lean towards the Nosler partitions Wondered if you guys had any experience good or bad with them, or if you think there is a better choice. Thanks for the help.

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #1 on:** July 09, 2006, 01:25:11 PM »

I would use a North Fork. Second choices would be a Trophy Bonded or A-Frame.

kudzu · « **Reply #2 on:** July 09, 2006, 02:37:27 PM »

Any coyote listed with the addition of maybe the barnes, or Rem Core lokt Ultra. Unless your gun just slam rejects 180 gr or larger,, I would go with as big a bullet that would stay inside 3-4'' at 100 yards. This would be plenty good for a moose size animal inside of 100yards.

Sourdough · « **Reply #3 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:22:22 PM »

If you can hit a 6" pie plate at 100 yards with the 180s, I would reccommend going with them. .308 is a little light for Moose, especially with anything lighter than 180s. And you got to be close. If you have a bigger gun, I would advise taking it. If you don't try and borrow one. Watched an experienced Whitetail hunter from Virginia shoot a Moose last year with a .308. Six shots, all in the boiler room at 40 to 120 yards, and it walked away. He only had six shells with him. He looked across the field at me raised his hands, indicating he was done. I shot the animal center of the shoulder, from 300 yards knocking it down. I was carrying a .338Win Mag with a 250gr Nosler partition. All of his shots would have killed the animal, but not soon enough for him to have found it. The ironic thing was it was a little Moose, a forked horn. If it had been a 12 or 14 hundred pounder, he would have been definately undergunned.

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 12, 2006, 09:30:32 PM »

Try the barnes X 168gr bullet. I have a buddy that has shot a few moose with this bullet. Moose aren't particularly hard to kill. Knocking them down is another thing, but they die just as easy as anything else.

ringo · « **Reply #5 on:** July 13, 2006, 04:15:53 AM »

The 165gr in your 308win will work fine on moose at distances under 100yds. My first shot would be low behind the shoulder to get the lungs, I would follow with another but lower to get the heart or arteries. You should have a good hunt, good luck.

sniperVLS · « **Reply #6 on:** July 13, 2006, 04:57:59 AM »

Get that bullet to the heart and/or lungs and you'll be fine. It may drop and it may run a while, just be prepared to do some walking while it bleeds out. Every animal reacts differently. You can hit one with a bigger caliber and they will still run, yet you could hit it with a .270/.308/.30-06 and it could drop quite fast.

I could tell you elk/moose stories that would have you scratching your head. Bullet construction and shot placement are what matters most.

Sourdough · « **Reply #7 on:** July 14, 2006, 12:52:19 PM »

1. Moose hang out in areas of ponds and streams.
2. Shoot one and he heads for the water.
3. I've never seen a 30 cal drop one in it's tracks, usually not anywhere close to where it was shot.
4. They always seem to die in 4 or 5 feet of water.
5. You aren't big enough to drag one out of the water.
6. Cleaning a Moose in water is a big job, cold, and you will loose some of the meat.
7. Even with waders your feet will get so cold you will want to quite half way through the job, it takes hours to clean a Moose.

Yes a .308 will kill a Moose, so will a .22RF. I've seen lots of Moose lost with 30-06s and .300s. Over the years I've killed around 40 Moose, I will not use anything smaller than a .338 Win Mag or a .35 Whelen. I don't care what anyone says Moose are a lot harder to kill than a Whitetail or even an Elk, they are a lot bigger. The trick is not to kill the Moose with the first shot, but to drop him where he cannot get away. That is why I always shoot deadcenter of the shoulder. This shot always drops him on the spot. Seldom is a second shot required, but at least it cannot get away. Yes I loose a little meat, but what is four or five pounds of meat in several hundred? Two years ago I saw a Cow Moose run over two hundred yards after being shot through both lungs with a .378 Weatherby at 80 yards. How far and how many Moose are you willing to chase to get one? I'm sorry but this is one subject I really get heated up ever. I have seen too many Moose lost over the years by people that thought their guns were up to the task. .308 is a great Whitetail gun, but if you want to hunt Moose leave it home and get a real gun.

Slamfire · « **Reply #8 on:** July 14, 2006, 03:47:23 PM »

I wouldn't own a .30 cal that wouldn't shoot 180s of some make or configuration. Its the best overall bullet for the caliber.

Sourdough · « **Reply #9 on:** July 15, 2006, 08:39:19 AM »

Mt wife carries a Remington 7400 in 30-06. She only shoots one load, Barnes 250gr. I think she loads IMR-4350, not sure about that. When she is going out for Moose she carries a Custom Mauser in .35 Whelen, shooting a 250gr Nosler.

tanoose · « **Reply #10 on:** July 15, 2006, 02:18:37 PM »

I myself wouuld rather use the 180 or 200 grain bullets and would make it the swift a-frame

Bigfoot · « **Reply #11 on:** July 16, 2006, 06:23:24 AM »

Sourdough, is that a 150TSX in the -06?

Sourdough · « **Reply #12 on:** July 16, 2006, 09:14:23 AM »

Negative Bigfoot: It's the 250gr Roundnose, listed as the 250-grain Original in the Barnes Manual. And yes she is loading IMR-4350.

bud340 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 16, 2006, 07:40:19 PM »

Sourdough, you said it just the way it is.

I killed 2 moose with a .308. The next year I used a 340 with 250 gr. Sierra
Gameking and IMR 4350 . Now it hasn't killed as many as you have but it has for sure over 25.

This year my son will use the 340 and I'm using a #1 --.375 HH with accubond 260 gr..

.308--no thankyou.

Cappy · « **Reply #14 on:** July 16, 2006, 09:33:42 PM »

I used the same rifle as you have. Used handloaded 165gr Partitions and never had any problems.

jrnsuz · « **Reply #15 on:** July 17, 2006, 09:20:51 AM »

hey sourdough, do you think the .308 is enough to break the shoulder under 100 yds?

if so, seems to me it would be just as reasonable as sumpthin' bigger. just a Q, not tryin' to start nuthin'.

T.R. · « **Reply #16 on:** July 19, 2006, 01:36:12 AM »

I killed a big moose with my .308 carbine in Saskatchewon, Canada. Distance was about 125 yards. Used 180 grain FEDERAL Hi-Shok factory ammo. Two shots into the chest and he trotted away as if unharmed. But the bull lay down within 75 yards and was a goner.
TR

Sourdough · « **Reply #17 on:** July 22, 2006, 10:06:49 AM »

Adirect hit in the shoulder with a 30-06 did not put the Moose down, he walked off into a lake. So I don't think a .308 would do any differant. The 06 made a hole in the shoulder blade but did not do enough damage to stop him from running to water. With a 35 or 338 he would have dropped from the same shot and not been able to get up. There would have been significantly more damage. Yes some people get lucky and make a good shot and the animal does not get away. I've seen people shoot Moose with .243s and the animal was eventually collected, but are you willing to risk it on what could be the hunt of a lifetime. Since this is a drawing hunt what are the odds that you will get drawen again? Many states have drawings where they restrict winning to once in your lifetime. If that is the case, stop and think about it. Do you really want to be undergunned? And then use a bullet designed for little whitetail, on an animal the size of a Clydesdale?

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 22, 2006, 10:57:45 AM »

Knocking a moose off its feet isn't something easily done, even with a 338. I watched a guy pump three shots into a trotting bull at less than 100 yards, one breaking the front shoulder and it still made it to water. They can be terribly stubborn that way. As it is I've seen them killed dead as a stone with a 150gr bullet out of a 270 too. I think it mainly comes down to the animal and its state of mind at the shot. If they are worked up they are about impossible to knock down. I hit one with a 286gr NP at 2400fps out of my 9.3x62 last year and it didn't loose it feed, bucked really hard but stayed up and moving. We had just bumped him out of a spot of cover so he was spooked. Who knows things might have been different if he had be calmly eating or something, its hard to tell.

379 Peterbilt · « **Reply #19 on:** July 22, 2006, 02:45:00 PM »

FWIW, I have a friend who has killed a few Alaskan moose with a 375 RUM and says they literaly do back-flips once shot. I have not witnessed this, but I'll be hunting moose with him for the first time this coming sept and hope to witness it first hand. Not saying they all will automaticaly do back flips, but he says he's seen this happen more than once.

Just thought I'd throw that out for debate.

Myself, I'll be toting a 338 wm.

Mr. Joe · « **Reply #20 on:** July 24, 2006, 03:07:26 AM »

Alot of moose are pushing up daisys because of the great .308 and .30-06. Its important to remember that foot pounds are not a replacement for poor shooting. If you use a properly constructed bullet and put it through the lungs, the moose is not long for this world. Its true, Moose are not impresed by bullet energy, but that goes for the .338 as well. Use the .308 if your confident in it (wich i am) load the right bullet and make the right shot.

sniperVLS · « **Reply #21 on:** July 24, 2006, 09:51:25 AM »

Quote from: Mr. Joe on July 24, 2006, 03:07:26 AM

Alot of moose are pushing up daisys because of the great .308 and .30-06. Its important to remember that foot pounds are not a replacement for poor shooting. If you use a properly constructed bullet and put it through the lungs, the moose is not long for this world. Its true, Moose are not impresed by bullet energy, but that goes for the .338 as well. Use the .308 if your confident in it (wich i am) load the right bullet and make the right shot.

Pretty much what I typed a week ago, glad someone agrees

While I love me some .300rum, I have no problem using my .308 for moose. Throw in ones confidence with a competent caliber such a .308 and its a recipe for a very very dead moose.

Sourdough · « **Reply #22 on:** July 27, 2006, 08:38:52 AM »

A .338, or even a 458 will not KNOCK a Moose off his feet. When a shoulder shot is made the Moose will simply fall due to the sudden lack of support. Then if suffecient damage is done, he won't be able to get back up. With a smaller bullet the amount of shock from the bullet hitting bone, and muscle damage is somewhat less. In my experience usually not sufficient to cause the animal to fall, just to stumble. Allowing the animal to run away, and the pain in the affected area will cause it to keep running till it feels safe. To the middle of a big lake or pond.

I have examined several 30 cal hits on Moose, mostly 30-06. With a shoulder shot there is hydrostatic shock damage 6 to 8 inches, to the meat around the bullet hole, a hole through the shoulder blade, and a hole through the rib area with no hydrostatic damage to the muscle under the shoulder blade. Moderate damage to the top of the near lung, sometimes to both lungs. The bullet is usually found under the skin, or in the muscle on the off side. Again, no hydrostatic shock on the inside of the shoulder blade.

In comparrison the same shot made with a .338 Win Mag. Hydrostatic shock will be about 12 to 18 inches in diameter. A hole through the shoulder blade, more hydrostatic shock damage 6 to 8 inches in diameter to the rib area under the shoulder blade. Both lungs are turned to jelly. Then a hole out the far side with little damage, just a hole big enough to stick my thumb through. If a rib is hit the exit hole is then big enough to get three to four fingers through.

The 30-06 is my favorite cartridge, I favor it above all others, except for Moose and Big Bears.

AkRvrrat · « **Reply #23 on:** July 29, 2006, 12:26:08 PM »

Ahhhh! I love these moose stories. First off let me say that I love to shoot my Win.94 .30-30AI with 170 Partitions especially on Ak. moose. Can tell wonderful stories of this and that, been doing this nigh onto 35yrs and am 50yrs young currently.
For your information there is a time that the .308 is more than enough gun to take down a moose expecially them itty bitty ones they call Shiras or something rather. Midgets mind you.

In the past one of my favorite moose rifles was my .270 Win 70 Classic shooting 130's up to 160's- many one shot kills, got to be me right? It is shot placement-period and with the right constructed bullet.
Shot many other moose(Ak.) with other calibers such as the .308, .30-06, 300 Win mag., .30-338 Win mag., .338 Win mags., .375RUM., and my .45-70 and thru all my experiences I can assure if you do not place your shot they won't go down. Now on occasions I have shot them in the neck and boy can they drop! but other times with the same shot they take off and then the packing gets tough. So it seems to prevent this run out and pack back kind of thing is to anchor them right there! Don't go for a lung shot! Well maybe you might want to so you can say how far you packed one out

Nothing wrong with the 165's either in the .308-I would go with the Swifts or the like, better for shooting thru bone.

good hunting

S.S. · « **Reply #24 on:** July 31, 2006, 07:27:45 AM »

I am not sure what they call the Skandinavian Moose,
I can not pronounce what he said, But they hunt them with the 6.5x55
cartridge and have no problem killing them. In the U.S., The 6.5x55
is suggested to be used on animal such as pronghorn, White tail or Black Bear?
The animals are of comparable size, so why would the Moose on this continent
be harder to Kill ? Their shots were slightly high behind the front shoulder
and they did not have to track them far. Most shots I have seen taken at Moose
in North America were lower on the body and did not kill nearly as fast.
Do they know something in Skandinavia that we don't.

jro45 · « **Reply #25 on:** July 31, 2006, 11:37:27 AM »

I'm going bear hunting in about 12 days I'm using Noslers Partition 200 gr bullets. I don't see why they wouldn't kill a moose also in 308 caliber.

pastorp · « **Reply #26 on:** July 31, 2006, 06:47:37 PM »

Sumner, in europe I believe they use heavier bullets than we normally use in the USA. The 6.5x55 is usually 160gr I believe, better benetration is the result. Regards, Byron

AkRvrrat · « **Reply #27 on:** August 01, 2006, 11:56:50 AM »

jro, I am for the heavier and slower bullets most all the time. I believe your bullet selection will do just fiine. Keep us posted.

regards,

Sourdough · « **Reply #28 on:** August 03, 2006, 04:39:35 AM »

JRO: The 200gr is an excellent choice.

Golsovia · « **Reply #29 on:** August 16, 2006, 03:43:18 PM »

If that .308 won't take ordinary 180s, perhaps a round nosed version might work. As stated though, you don't need supreme accuracy at the ranges you propose. A Nosler of even the semi-pointed 220 weight might be a good choice.

My first moose which I killed over twenty years ago was a one shot deal with an '06 and a 190 BTSP Hornady. Since then I have very rarely seen one drop even with bigger guns. One fellow stood for lots of lead while I shot him repeatedly at 200 or so. I ended up removing and collecting 4 slugs from the far side of that animal. Like Sourdough said, if water or other bad potential ending is possible, get that animal down quick if you can.