Big game hunting rifles!?

Question

I think i have decided on buying a new 300. wsm in the Browning A-Bolt Stainless Hunter with a Leupold VX-II silver 3x-9x, 40 mm scope. I mainly hunt moose and that is what this gun will be shooting at, Nothern Ontarion Moose and Northern Quebec caribou.

What do you think about the calibre? What do you think about the scope? What do you think about the model? Are there any comments or suggestions you want to make?

Answer 1

I think the .308 is enough, but I prefer the 30-06. So to the person who suggested the .308, it works, but the ought 6 is better.

I have taken Moose, Elk, Caribou, White Tail, and Mule Deer with an ought 6, as they are often affectionatly known. I also own 2 precision .308 rifles.

I have always seen the 300 Win Mag as a lot more smoke and mirror than usable power. It goes 150 fps or so faster than the ought 6, with a heck of a lot more kick, and cost.

There is nothing in N America an ought 6 cant kill, that a 300 can. The 300 will only cost more to shoot.

Ok, for you 1000 yard balistic table readers, the 300 does offer some flatter shooting, but at 300 yards, by only 1.5 inches. A moose is a big target, and I doubt you will encounter a shot that far.

I would rather get a 338, if I thought the ought 6 were under powered, at least it offers heavier weight for the same speed.



I think the ought 6 has evolved over its 100 plus years of service, and is very versitile, thus it is not broken.

I swear that new cals come out to sell new guns.

Anyway this is my honest opinion, with years of hunting experence. I like the 30-06, as a proven cal.

As far as the gun, I dont think the Browning is a poor choice. I shoot a BAR, made in Belgum back in 1985, and still shoot it today. I am sure if you care for the gun, It will last a lifetime.

I love Leupold, and use a 4.5X14 power on my sniper guns in .308. On my bolt ought 6, and my Browning ought 6, I use a Redfield Wideview 2x7 power.  The reason I tell this is because I learned years ago, the less is more. On my .308, 4.5 is the min setting and is too much for shots within 50 yards; the distance most kills will occur. If you try to kill a close moving animal, you will have trouble with even 3 power. I killed a nice 8 point at 162 meters(used a laser range finder), with the browning on 2 power. I also killed a 9 point last year while he was in a trot, at 30 yards. The 2 power allowed me quick target aquisition, but still will place rounds in vitals long distance.

If I were starting out, I would look into a good 2x7 or even 1x4 power. A hunting friend of mine shot an Elk at 200 plus yards with a 1x5 power scope on a Remington 700. I know that this is light, but a 2 power will be all you need out to 100yards.

Again this is my opinion, and you asked. All that said, you are looking into quality stuff, and I am sure you will do well.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

For that price range id get a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40 or a Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40. The Buckmaster is on the same price tier with the VX-II but has finger adjustable k***s and i think it's got clearer glass. The Prostaff is a tier lower in terms of price but equal in terms of clearness.  But that's all just my personal opinion.

Answer 3

i would have gotten a 308, but aaaa what ever floats your boat lol

Answer 4

Sounds good to me .

Answer 5

OK, but you are going to have to match the proper bullet to whatever particular game animal that you intend on harvesting.*

Answer 6

The combination you have choosen is a good one. Browning and Leupold are both quality brands. The 300 wsm is a good caliber for large game and when you use ballistic tip projectiles they are even more effective. I dont think you will have any troubles with this set up.

Answer 7

Sounds good to me, all around.  Happy hunting.

H

Answer 8

.300 is a good moose caliber, and browning makes a nice gun so i see no problem there. leupold makes a GOOD scope, but not an EXCELLENT scope. theres nothing wrong with it, it is a lot better than most scopes, but if you have the money or want to spend the money i recommend a Schmidt & Bender, Swarovski, Zeiss, Optolyth, or any german optics. you might get a good deal off ebay or bargain finder.

Answer 9

This sounds like a good combination to me. Browning has a fine reputation, and a .300 Magnum has the power for such game. A 3X-9X scope is versatile, and 40 mm is big enough to have a good field of view without being too big for the purpose. I'd use such a rifle and scope for moose and caribou. I'm not a tiny gal, so I shoot .300 Mags well.

Answer 10

seems good have you looked into .44 rifles i would look at the henry bigboy

heres a link

http://henryrepeatingarms.com/h006_bigbo...