Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Alaska For all you Alaskans or Alaska bound hunters

My son will be moving to Anchorage complements of Uncle Sam in about a year and is really looking forward to sample some of the hunting up there. I think Carabou and moose are definitely on the Agenda with maybe a go at sheep or bear. He is mulling over what caliber of rifle he would like to bring with him and I thought perhaps some input from the guys that are there might come in useful. Of course, he will probably end up with more choices than Georgia has peanuts, but that's ok. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

So, already knowing that he is going to be packing a bolt action, what caliber do you guys recommend for his one rifle that he will probably bring, besides his .308. Thanks for your input on this.

When the same uncle sent me to Alaska in 84 I bought a 30/06. Almost 23 years later and I would still go that route, albeit stainless with glass stock.

I think a Remington Ti would be a good pick.

or a 300 Whizzum Kimber Montana.....

Ron, for the most part, dont listen to steely. I'll give him one on the recommendation of the 30-06 (cant go wrong with that choice) but if you get in his grasp (and all the paridise crew), your boy will be running around AK with pink or yellow or whatever stock remingtons in some caliber thats gonna end in AI. <grins>

Seriously, a good 30-06 or 338 would be great.

+1.......On ALL the above <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Don't listen to them Ron, they no not what they speak of...


See, it's a Ruger

LMAO

Well that's better than the yellow one. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> I hate to say it but I actually like that. I didn't say that. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

That one could grow on ya, but I gotta ask. What caliber is it?

sorry about hijacking your post Ron.

He will want a small caliber for foxes and wolves, like a 223 or 243. He will not need anything else with the 308. That is assuming he is using good bullets.
art

A cargo plane full of TSX's should surfice. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

thank you all for your responses and replies. I see we are all pretty much in the same lane on this. I was pushing for an 06 or a Whelan and he was thinking 300 win mag or 338. (what is it with these youngsters and their magnumitis? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> )

30 is 30, if he wants more I'd go at least to a 338.

338 is always my last choice... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I hunted in AK for caribou this last fall and ran into a brown bear that was bigger than my house! Well to make it short I was carrying a 300 WSM and felt undergunned. Next time I am taking the 338 win mag or 375. Maybe a 50 BMG would be a wise choice! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

30/06 or a 300 win mag are good choices, seen a lot of critters taken with the '06.

Gotta remember a lot of people (including myself) pick calibers more because they just like them rather than need. I would have to say that the most popular calibers up here are 30-06, 300 WM, 338 WM and 375 H&H. Beyond that you can find all kinds of things. I guess comfort level also becomes an issue. Most that have been up here a few years worry less about bears than newbies.

Use the 308 and spend the money on hunts.

I have taken moose, sheep and black bear with the 308 win and the rifle I had took its fair shair of brown bears (inland)too by its former owner.


I am going bigger next time. I am looking forward to getting a ruger in 358 win and using it as my primary rifle. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Well, if he can shoot a .338 well, that would be the best choice. The most popular cartridges in Alaska are the .30-06, .300WM, and .338WM. I shoot a .338WM because I prefer heavy bullets when hunting moose in bear country, and because I am a small man <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> The .338 makes me feel more secure than the others.

To be honest I like the 338 win and 300 win too.

My first rifle at 15 was a ruger 77 in 338 win and I shot deer sheep and moose with it.

Currently I have an unbloodied 300 ultra as I have shot my last two moose and a caribou with my bow.

I am serious about the 358 win comment though.