308 - did the job after 30 sec standing and staring (Grand Slam 180 gr) 30/06 - good job, worked fine and would use it again (Grand Slam 180 gr) 375 H&H - outstanding, moose dropped immediately in its tracks (285 gr Grand Slam)
This contribution from my admitted meager sample of three animals.
I skipped over most of the posts when the drivel started. I have only shot 2 with a 7RM with 175 Noslers which worked fine. I have witnessed others shot with 250/3000, 308, 30-06, 444, and 12 gauge. They all worked but this was subsistence hunting. The friends that stayed in Alaska have gravitated towards the 338 as front runner with 375 second and 33 third or back up. Mostly the choice is based on Brown Bears and they are tag or trophy hunting and can't get the five permits a year they used too.
So for those with lot's of experience is the 30 + calibers better for a trophy type hunt as opposed to a meat hunt? I tend to think so and with added insurance for the bear factor too.
"When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred." Niccolo Machiavelli
I've already submitted my 358WSM/225 SAF, and 35 Whelen/250 NPT kills...
But re-reading this thread I remember what an old Cree told me when I was visiting with them in Waskagonish Ontario.. "...the 22LR is pretty good, but the tirdy-tirdy great for da Moose..."
"I'd rather have an Army of Asses led by a Lion, than an Army of Lions led by an Ass." (George Washington)
Lots of good info here. I enjoy reading the input of those with lots of experience. All I can add is the experience of a buddy. He shot a Canada moose with his 300 Weatherby and handloaded 180 grain Barnes TSX bullets. It worked fine, and his guide was impressed. That's enough for me!
My choice, if I still had one of them, would be one of my various 35 Whelens and 350 Remington Magnum rifles. Better yet would be the 358 Norma Magnum rifle I took to Colorado for elk in 1991. All of those big guns are gone now. I can't handle the recoil. These days I would take my remaining "big gun" - my Tikka 30-06. It would have to suffice. I would handload Barnes TSX bullets and try to shoot straight.
I use a 338wm with 250 Swift AFrames, this combination works very well.
I have killed or helped skin and pack moose killed with: 243, 6.5x55 swede, 270 win, 7mmrm, 280 rem, 308, 3006, 300 wm, 300weatherby, 338wm, 375h&h. The overwhelming commonality in all clean kills was shot placement; although for me 3006 class ballistics is the entry level for moose.
The first moose I shot with my 338wm dropped like a sack of potatoes (turned out I held high and broke his spine). Several moose later I had a young bull at about 150yards take 3 in the chest.. I was standing and just holding with no rest. The first shot the moose didn't move he stretched his neck and walked a couple of yards and went back to feeding. The second shot he kind of stretched again and walked a few more yards and then went back to feeding. At this point I was doubting myself as I practice a lot, but I took extra care on the third shot. On this one he jumped up (like they do when lung shot) and ran into the bush. I sat down and enjoyed a cup of tea and then went in to find him stone dead not ten yards in. When I skinned him I discovered the first two shots had gone through the back of the lungs without hitting a bone, through and through. The third one broke off a piece of rib which took the top of his heart off and then blew hole the size of my fist out the other side. Shot placement is everything.
I've been blessed to have taken two moose. My Montana moose, I used my 7mm Rem. Mag. I was shooting handloads, 175 grain Nosler Partitions. Two of those in the shoulders did the trick. My second moose, I got in BC. I used my 338-06 shooting 225 grain Nosler Partitions at 2700 fps. MV. I only needed one round on this bull. It was a bang flop!
I have never shot a moose, I would like to some day. I would however, question the disdain for the 303 British. If I hear correctly, the round has put many moose in the freezer.
ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with the .303 British.
NRA Endowment Life Member (and proud of it)
Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.
Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something. - Plato
I've taken a couple with a 243 and a handfull with my 30 Gibbs but most with a 358 Norma Magnum. To me the 35 cal is the definative moose hunting round! This bull was taken at 300yds with a 280 Swift A-Frame.
this is what I've killed moose with, to date: .308 win 180 NP ( 4 moose) .308 win 165 Rem CL (1) .356 Win 220 Speer FP ( 1) .35 Whelen 250 Speer GS ( 1) .375 H&H 300 Fed RN ( 1) 7x57 175 Norma RN (1) Each worked as well as the other, I'd choose the rifle I liked rather than the cartridge within this list. If really serious about the cartridge with maximum advantage I might pick my .35 Whelen because I have taken more than a dozen elk with it and like it a lot. It penetrates through heavy shoulder bones a bit better than all on the list except the .375 if such a shot ever becomes necessary.