Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Caliber for Alaska

Hey all. Have been a long time reader, but this is my first post. I am new to Alaska, and am in the market for a new rifle. I am considering a new SAKO 85 in either a 300 WSM or 338. Plan to hunt for caribou and moose, but no bear. I know both will work, but which would you prefer to have in your hands 200 miles from the nearest road. Also, any input/experience with SAKO would be appreciated.

If it were me, I would go with the 338. The 300wsm never really floated my boat. Just sold mine.

Can't go wrong with a .338. Others may work, too.
t

I'd wait for Don (Savage 99) to make a recommendation, then do the opposite..........

The .338 WinMag by a mile --- you never know when a bear will contest your right to finish getting your meat out.

TFF
t <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'd have to say 300 WSM, but that's only because I got rid of my 338 Win. Mag. and let the 300 WSM fill its role and then some.

Have you ever considered the .375 H&H? Don't even know if Sako chambers it in that model but I love the .375.

if faced with the same choice, I would go with a win 70. If I could not find one, then rem 700 would be my next choice. I like win 70s so I am a bit biased. for a "wilderness" rifle, I think the win 70 has a better trigger with few parts and less prone to gumming up. the 700 is a solid #2 for my preferences.

I own a 300 wsm and like it and had a 338. for this application, I would choose the 300 win mag. proven for years and easy to get ammo in a fix.

my alaska rifle would be a stainless win 70 with a 24" bbl with fixed sights and a fixed 4 or 6x scope in talley ring & bases. the stock would be mcmillan.

the idea of fixed sights is that when you are carrying a rifle for protection or bringing it along "just in case", it's easy to carry without a scope and you can be a little rougher with it.

Can't go wrong with either IMO.Shot placements the key.As for a charging bear cross that path when you have too.

300 win mag will do everything you need it too and then some. Personally, for big bears and moose I use my 375H&H but I would feel just as comfortable shooting the 300 wm. Like 7STW said, shot placement is more important than caliber......

ROTF!!!!!!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />


George

That's a good one............ <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Personally, I've hunted with the 300 Win. Mag. for mixed-bag Alaska hunting with good results. I'd also be happy with either the 338 Win. Mag. or the 300 WSM. The next time I go I'll likely carry a 300 Win. Mag. once again.

Many of these cartridges are quite similar in terms of performance. You'd be smart to go with the one you shoot best. Feed it good bullets and you should do very well.

AD

+1

God's chosen cartridge! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I just spit my Coke all over the monitor! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I'd go Montana Whizzum.

Make mine 7mm.................

Consistency is your hallmark, ain't it?

BMT

I love the 338 Win mag. Load it down with 180's or up with 250's.

I have a 300 Win mag that kicks like a mule, actually thought about selling it since my 338 does so much more in my opinion.

My dream rifle would be a rem ti on .338 federal loaded with tsx's. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Light,done right,leaves nothing to wish for......................