I do not claim to be an expert, because I have only one bull moose kill under my belt and that was last year. I was using a .270win with 140 gr Berger VLDH bullet. My shot was only at about 75 yards and I put four well placed, rapid shots behind the shoulder. My philosophy, since I have killed several elk, is to shoot them to the ground. He was probably dead with the first shot but he took about four steps before falling over. Upon closer examination, not one bullet exited. 4 entry holes only, but his lungs looked like they had gone through a blender. I hear that Berger bullets are best at long range and I definitely was not thinking I would get a shot at 75 yards, but you take what you get. I question, if that bullet was the best choice. I regularly use 140 gr. Accubonds on elk with great results, and even killed an elk with one shot with my 130 gr. ballistic tip, because that was all I had loaded up after deer season. Depending on likely shot distance, I don't think I will be using Bergers again, because, I have been a bow hunter most my life and I always seem to kill stuff and close range, even with a rifle. My longest kill with a multitude of game is 365 yards but most under 200 yards. Just food for thought and best of luck on your hunt.
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Moose bullets?
- Thread starter zr600
- Start date
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BAKPAKR
Well-Known Member
I have shot 3 moose with a 300 RUM. All three were within 50 yards so the bullets were still moving pretty fast. The first two of those were with 200 gr Accubonds. I wasn't too pleased with the results. I am not saying they blew up, but I didn't think I got good penetration. Had my shots been broadside, behind the shoulder, I am sure they would have been fine. Unfortunately, those are not the shots I was presented with.
I used a 200 gr Barnes LRX on the last moose. It went down in its tracks, after a quartering to me shot (same angle as the first shot on RUM moose # 2). I hope to draw another tag to see if that was just a fluke
I don't think you need a 300 RUM for a moose, but I do think you need a bullet that will hold together at closer ranges based on the velocity you are starting it out at.
FYI - 165 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips out of a 300 Winchester wouldn't be my first choice in a do over either. They did blow up.
I used a 200 gr Barnes LRX on the last moose. It went down in its tracks, after a quartering to me shot (same angle as the first shot on RUM moose # 2). I hope to draw another tag to see if that was just a fluke
I don't think you need a 300 RUM for a moose, but I do think you need a bullet that will hold together at closer ranges based on the velocity you are starting it out at.
FYI - 165 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips out of a 300 Winchester wouldn't be my first choice in a do over either. They did blow up.
sourdough44
Well-Known Member
Once one gets to a 'ball-park' on up, 'big game' bullet, placement trumps whatever high cost projectile one can load. A simple cor-lock with great placement will give better 'performance' than the best bullet with a so-so hit.
I realize everyone knows this, just a reminder for that 1%.
I realize everyone knows this, just a reminder for that 1%.
Mxracer532
Well-Known Member
This is EXACTLY what I am worried about with my hunt. (Washington Once in a Lifetime) Im an avid archery guy and will do everything I can to use my bow. But need to have my 7SAUM loaded up as a backup. Wont have my Rifle till 1st week of Sept so load development is going to have to be FAST! Its getting chambered for 180ELDs/180 VLD's but seriously considering loading a Barnes LRX or something similar since shots could be 100 yards. (Under 80 and my bow will be used for sure)
Marky_mark
Well-Known Member
Hesding to the yukon on Monday for a dall moose caribou grizzly combo hunt
Bringing my 6.5x284
I have a load with the 156gr bergers and one with the 140gr aframes that have the exact same poi.
We will see which bullet gets action on what but I don't have any reservations about Shooting a moose with the bergers.
Mxracer532
Well-Known Member
I probably wouldn't either, BUT I fully expect shots to be under 100 yards. I shoot VLD's out of my .243 and I have noticed about 1/3 of the time anything under 100 yards that bullet is blowing up on impact. 3100fps at the muzzle. Again, hopeful that the rifle wont be used as I really want to use my bow. Just never know...……..
Marky_mark
Well-Known Member
Those are mini Moose down there
Shouldn't have a problem
Guys, you are working too hard and prioritising the wrong stuff. This is not 800 yard moose shooting. Load up a Nosler Partition, Hornady Interlock or Interbond or Barnes TSX and ensure you have a bullet that will hold together from 25 yards on out. Nosler Ballistic Tips and any other highly frangible bullet designed to open up at long range are an inferior choice. They will likely work but why screw around when there are much better options. Even if it shoots a full 2 nches at 100 yards you are good to 300. Getting the last 1/4 inch off group size is not nearly as important as having a controlled expansion bullet.
Have to agree. At that range, the biggest, fattest round nose will do every thing you will ask of it. Like said, even at a 3MOA group you are still in "minute of moose kill" zone.
86alaskan
Well-Known Member
I'd go for a 160+ barnes or hammer bullet at reasonably fast speeds. try for a quartering away shot where the bullet can enter the ribs and pass into the vitals without meat damage. Have a couple friends who tried the 180 VLD's on moose in AK, they swore them off after eating lead in every package of burger. they'll kill alright, but the shrapnel needs to be considered too. The barnes or hammer may fracture, but worst case is 4 copper petals and a shank left over, no lead to worry about. So, 160+ in the 7mm or a good stout 150gr copper in the 308 and good shot placement.
Mxracer532
Well-Known Member
I will probably load up the 168g LRX's and hope to find a decent load FAST.
memtb
Well-Known Member
Just start out with them about 0.050" off of the lands.....and it shouldn't take long to get a good load developed! memtb
