Go Back   Alberta Outdoorsmen Forum > Main Category > Hunting Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-08-2017, 12:43 PM
Rio56's Avatar
Rio56 Rio56 is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,754
Default What's your cartridge/gun for your Hunting priorities

It's always good discussion ...

So the game to include are these big game animals

1--- deer
2--- black bear
3--- sheep
4--- moose
5--- elk

What makes you choose your cartridge ? Does your number 1 choice of game to hunt dictate the rest or do you have multiple guns for the list ..

For me I have mostly switched to the 300 WSM because my order of these are

1--- elk
2----black bear
3---- moose
4 --- deer
5---- sheep , probably no more

Last edited by Rio56; 01-08-2017 at 01:04 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 01-08-2017, 12:45 PM
catnthehat's Avatar
catnthehat catnthehat is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ft. McMurray
Posts: 38,530
Default

My go to rifle never changes , Ruger single shot in .303
If I choose a different rifle it is only because I want to hunt with that particular rifle , not because I am after a different animal
Cat
__________________
Anytime I figure I've got this long range thing figured out, I just strap into the sling and irons and remind myself that I don't!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 01-08-2017, 12:49 PM
Bergerboy's Avatar
Bergerboy Bergerboy is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: In your personal space.
Posts: 4,787
Default

280AI for all. 7mm Rem Mag performance without the muzzle blast and recoil. I just have different loadings as to what animal I am chasing.
__________________
When in doubt, use full throttle. It may not improve the situation, but it will end the suspense.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 01-08-2017, 01:11 PM
Kurt505 Kurt505 is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Communist state
Posts: 13,245
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bergerboy View Post
280AI for all. 7mm Rem Mag performance without the muzzle blast and recoil. I just have different loadings as to what animal I am chasing.
^^^This is my favorite as well, for no special reason other than it works.^^^
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 01-08-2017, 01:22 PM
Salavee Salavee is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Parkland County, AB
Posts: 4,249
Default

I finally settled on the.338-06 as the one cartridge that covers all my Big Game hunting requirements.
__________________
When applied by competent people with the right intent, common sense goes a long way.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-11-2017, 09:30 PM
Jordan Smith's Avatar
Jordan Smith Jordan Smith is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Calgary
Posts: 1,363
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kurt505 View Post
^^^This is my favorite as well, for no special reason other than it works.^^^
Seems I've heard you say that before about the .280AI, somewhere...
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-11-2017, 09:36 PM
Kurt505 Kurt505 is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Communist state
Posts: 13,245
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jordan Smith View Post
Seems I've heard you say that before about the .280AI, somewhere...
Why wouldn't I....... it's the best cartridge ever!!!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 01-08-2017, 02:46 PM
Altaboy Altaboy is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sherwood Park
Posts: 226
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bergerboy View Post
280AI for all. 7mm Rem Mag performance without the muzzle blast and recoil. I just have different loadings as to what animal I am chasing.
7 mag, cuz it really is better than a .280 AI.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 01-08-2017, 11:05 PM
Xbolt7mm Xbolt7mm is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: south calgary
Posts: 2,281
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Altaboy View Post
7 mag, cuz it really is better than a .280 AI.
X2
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 01-08-2017, 11:41 PM
300magman's Avatar
300magman 300magman is online now
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,886
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Xbolt7mm View Post
X2
X3
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 01-08-2017, 12:52 PM
elkdump elkdump is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: In a tree near ALTA
Posts: 3,061
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by catnthehat View Post
My go to rifle never changes , Ruger single shot in .303
If I choose a different rifle it is only because I want to hunt with that particular rifle , not because I am after a different animal
Cat
Is it possible to get a " time out " for being sensible , even if it happens to a moderator ( definition > moderate)
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 01-08-2017, 01:05 PM
elkhunter11 elkhunter11 is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Camrose
Posts: 44,842
Default

Mo go to big game rifle is a custom bolt action in 7mmstw. Although I have tried other cartridges, that has been my go to combination for over 25 years
__________________
Only accurate guns are interesting.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 01-08-2017, 01:07 PM
Ranch11 Ranch11 is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,129
Default

I'm not a sheep hunter but for the rest is a 35 whelen, semi custom in Winchester m70 featherweight.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 02-11-2017, 10:21 AM
rwalker rwalker is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 36
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ranch11 View Post
I'm not a sheep hunter but for the rest is a 35 whelen, semi custom in Winchester m70 featherweight.
I'm curious what you use in your Whelen. I have a load for 225 sierras with RL15 but IIRC the velocity is around 2400. It is a very accurate load but not a particularly zippy load. Wondering what you like and have had success with.



Sent from my SM-G935W8 using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 01-08-2017, 01:07 PM
greywolf greywolf is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: red deer
Posts: 830
Default

Since 1995,
One Gun; Ruger
One Caliber; 30.06
One Bullet; hand loaded hornady 165 grain BTSP;
Over 50 big game animals taken, from antelope right up to bison;
most were one shot kills.

Before that,
1979-1994
One Gun; Winchester Model 70
One Caliber; 308
Two bullets, hand loaded hornady 150 or 165 grain BTSP, settled on 150 near the end;
Just under 50 big game animals taken, from antelope right up to Moose;
most were one shot kills.

I know, boring, lol.

Last edited by greywolf; 01-08-2017 at 01:12 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 01-08-2017, 01:14 PM
Rio56's Avatar
Rio56 Rio56 is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,754
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by greywolf View Post
Since 1995,
One Gun; Ruger
One Caliber; 30.06
One Bullet; hand loaded hornady 165 grain BTSP;
Over 50 big game animals taken, from antelope right up to bison;
most were one shot kills.

Before that,
1979-1994
One Gun; Winchester Model 70
One Caliber; 308
Two bullets, hand loaded hornady 150 or 165 grain BTSP, settled on 150 near the end;
Just under 50 big game animals taken, from antelope right up to Moose;
most were one shot kills.

I know, boring, lol.
not boring at all " beware of the man with one gun " lol
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 01-08-2017, 01:19 PM
.300ultramag .300ultramag is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Southeastern BC
Posts: 222
Default

Ruger M77 Hawkeye in 6.5 Creedmoor, sheep is the only priority until the knees wear out.

If I am lucky enough to pull a spring grizzly license the 300 ultra comes out, if only.....
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 01-08-2017, 01:36 PM
elkhunter11 elkhunter11 is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Camrose
Posts: 44,842
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rio56 View Post
not boring at all " beware of the man with one gun " lol
Except than in many cases the person with only one gun rarely shoots it, because he isn't really interested in shooting. These people often put their rifle away after huntimg season, and don't even look at it again until next season.
__________________
Only accurate guns are interesting.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 01-08-2017, 06:34 PM
Prairiewolf's Avatar
Prairiewolf Prairiewolf is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Calgary
Posts: 1,100
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rio56 View Post
It's always good discussion ...

So the game to include are these big game animals

1--- deer
2--- black bear
3--- sheep
4--- moose
5--- elk

What makes you choose your cartridge ? Does your number 1 choice of game to hunt dictate the rest or do you have multiple guns for the list ..

For me I have mostly switched to the 300 WSM because my order of these are

1--- elk
2----black bear
3---- moose
4 --- deer
5---- sheep , probably no more
I like choosing "catch-all" cartridges, since I'm usually afield with more than one tag in my pocket when I hunt.

I started out hunting with a 7mm Rem Mag, which handles any of the game listed above.

I switched last year to a .308 Win. Although I still like the 7mm Rem Mag, I don't much like practicing with it. While I don't flinch, and I don't restrict practice to just benchrest, my shoulder gets sore after about 4-5 rounds, even with the Limbsaver. The .308 Win is far more accommodating to an extended range session. I've come to enjoy practice now, and make more trips out to do it than when I used only the 7mm Rem Mag. The .308 Win also handles any of the game listed just fine, is a pleasure to shoot, and is a bit lighter to carry around as well.

I use Nosler Trophy Grade Partitions in 165 grain in the .308 Win.
__________________
-------------------------------------------------------

They don't get big by being dumb.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 01-08-2017, 07:16 PM
Pathfinder76 Pathfinder76 is online now
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 15,775
Default

Within reason cartridge selection is almost a moot point.
__________________
“I love it when clients bring Berger bullets. It means I get to kill the bear.”

-Billy Molls
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 01-08-2017, 07:53 PM
Salavee Salavee is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Parkland County, AB
Posts: 4,249
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by chuck View Post
Within reason cartridge selection is almost a moot point.
... when it applies to what ,Chuck ? Cartridge selection seems to be an important consideration for most hunters and shooters, both novice and experienced alike.
__________________
When applied by competent people with the right intent, common sense goes a long way.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 01-08-2017, 07:57 PM
Pathfinder76 Pathfinder76 is online now
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 15,775
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Salavee View Post
... when it applies to what ,Chuck ? Cartridge selection seems to be an important consideration for most hunters and shooters, both novice and experienced alike.
Most of that is mental gymnastics. Bullet selection wins that race, and there are a myriad of cartridges that will take that group of animals cleanly.

The replies on this thread alone should lend some credence to that theory.
__________________
“I love it when clients bring Berger bullets. It means I get to kill the bear.”

-Billy Molls
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 01-08-2017, 08:02 PM
Diesel_wiesel Diesel_wiesel is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 810
Default

300saum
for everything
__________________
If you consider an unsuccessful hunt to be a waste of time,
then the true meaning of the chase Eludes you all together
you only get a second
shoot where their
going not where they been,
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 01-08-2017, 08:03 PM
Bergerboy's Avatar
Bergerboy Bergerboy is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: In your personal space.
Posts: 4,787
Default

I think there can be a lot to be said about ones confidence in a certain cartridge being a large art of their success. If you are hunting and are competent in the ability of the cartridge and the rifle you are using, you will likely have better bullet placement and retrieve more animals. I have a rifle like this. I don't think its actually anything special but its history of killing many game animals give me confidence.
__________________
When in doubt, use full throttle. It may not improve the situation, but it will end the suspense.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 01-08-2017, 09:16 PM
Salavee Salavee is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Parkland County, AB
Posts: 4,249
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by chuck View Post
Most of that is mental gymnastics. Bullet selection wins that race, and there are a myriad of cartridges that will take that group of animals cleanly.

The replies on this thread alone should lend some credence to that theory.
No question about the importance of bullet selection but I'm thinking most cartridges are chosen because of their ballistic performance and the bullet selection available for them .. not the other way around. Some cartridges in the same "group" definitely outperform others in most respects with any given caliber/weight bullet. Everyone has their favorite cartridges for a variety of reasons. Today there are enough good choices of both to make almost everyone happy...or so it seems.
__________________
When applied by competent people with the right intent, common sense goes a long way.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 01-08-2017, 08:06 PM
KodiakHntr KodiakHntr is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Fort St John
Posts: 76
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rio56 View Post
It's always good discussion ...

So the game to include are these big game animals

1--- deer
2--- black bear
3--- sheep
4--- moose
5--- elk

What makes you choose your cartridge ? Does your number 1 choice of game to hunt dictate the rest or do you have multiple guns for the list ..

For me I have mostly switched to the 300 WSM because my order of these are

1--- elk
2----black bear
3---- moose
4 --- deer
5---- sheep , probably no more
This year for me the hunts went like in this chronological order:
1) black bear, kimber 280AI, 140 gmx
3) stone sheep, kimber 280AI with 162 Amax's.
4) elk, Mauser custom 300 wm with 180gr Winchester factory rounds
5) moose, same custom as above
6) mule deer, Remington 243AI, 105 Amax
6) whitetail, kimber 223AI, 75 amax.

Generally depends on my mood, and what's new in the safe and hasn't been blooded yet. With the exception of the 243AI/223AI, those get hunted for deer every year simply because I have much love for the rifles and clamberings.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 01-08-2017, 08:43 PM
JTRED's Avatar
JTRED JTRED is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Central Kootenays BC
Posts: 432
Default

My favourite gun is chambered in 270win so that goes most often, this year I picked up a 7mm-08 for my daughters so when they weren't hunting with me I carried it, and finally my 25-06rem gets used in the spring for black bear and late season mule deer. None of my rifles are used exclusively for one species it just comes down to what I feel like carrying that day.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 01-09-2017, 01:36 PM
last minute last minute is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,920
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rio56 View Post
It's always good discussion ...

So the game to include are these big game animals

1--- deer
2--- black bear
3--- sheep
4--- moose
5--- elk

What makes you choose your cartridge ? Does your number 1 choice of game to hunt dictate the rest or do you have multiple guns for the list ..

For me I have mostly switched to the 300 WSM because my order of these are

1--- elk
2----black bear
3---- moose
4 --- deer
5---- sheep , probably no more
270 cal win all the way . Dont need a cannon to hunt
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 01-12-2017, 03:30 PM
PolMark PolMark is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Calgary
Posts: 23
Default

It depends how good of a shooter are you and how much you practice.
People tend to practice more with easy available and cheaper calibers.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 01-12-2017, 04:05 PM
Ranger CS Ranger CS is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Pincher Creek
Posts: 921
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by PolMark View Post
It depends how good of a shooter are you and how much you practice.
People tend to practice more with easy available and cheaper calibers.
Which calibers are the cheaper ones?
__________________
Ranger
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:20 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.