Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Alaska Perfect rifle for POW?

Planning a trip next Aug-Sept. Plan to mostly fish, but also to hunt deer and black bear. I understand the deer are high up at that time, but length of shots is unknown. What's the best caliber? I have several to chose from. Thanks!

buy a good bolt rifle,plastic stock,S.S. ,300 Win. Mag. or a 30-06 with a decent scope and mnts. those 2 cartridges are easy to find ammo for with the 30-06 being the easiest to find ammo any place in the world.

This is where most if the planning should center.

Stainless, synthetic whatever. Putting in for the draw?

+1 on stainless / synthetic.

Anything from 6.5mm to .30 cal. should get it done.

What stainless rifles/chambering do you currently own?

Same as for the “lower 48”. It’s pretty hard to beat the “all purpose”, “do it all”, .338 WM. Is it needed.....no, not likely. But, is a great option! memtb

One that you lay in the water for pictures.

If a little bit is good, more must be better!

I see your .338 and raise you .037.

I am pretty sure I know of no one who hunts with a 338.

Just step up to a .340. It’s amazing the difference of two thousandths makes!

-Sportys gun counter guy

I'd start with stainless and a synthetic stock. My impression is the vast majority of guys have a 30-06, 300 Win Mag, or 338 Win Mag. Pick the one you like, and shoot the best. Can't go wrong.

Thanks for the replies so far!

I am thinking something around 30-06, .7mag, or .300WM. The 300 is a bit heavier due to barrel contour. For the same weight (or maybe a bit less) I could go up to a .338WM. The issue? Maybe the extra weight is a negative when climbing those mountains they talk about?

Neither black bear nor deer are that hard to kill, so I guess the question is length of shot. If its faraway then I'll go with a .300 or 7mag. If shots are closer I'll use a more basic caliber or trundle out the .338. So if its early September, I understand you have to climb....How long are the shots though?

And yes, I'll put in for a draw. Understood that it needs to be done soon even if the hunt is 10 months away.

As to the fishing, that's indeed where I am working the most brain cells! Spent part of yesterday sorting out flies. Really want to get into the silvers.

A kimber Montana in 7-08 up to 300wsm and everything in between would make a fine black bear/ deer rifle without breaking the bank.

Next time I’m in the neighborhood, I’ll introduce you to my wife! memtb

I used a kimber Montana 308 there last year. A stainless tikka would be just fine too.

I've heard of a local guy who favors the 223AI

Everybody's in the 375 and up club?

Blu CS - Sent you a PM,
Also, you may want to read the thread under General Big Game - 300 in the real world.

Take whatever you want, expect rain and wind unless it's not then warm and still with mosquitos, or anything in between!

I have hunted POW. I also know Nov. has about 14" rain or so on average.

I carry a Model 71. A little heavy fo deer , but good , fast bear rifle.

We got wet....I wiped it down a lot.

I always figure my equipment must be able to go where I go.

Only blacktail I've ever shot or seen shot have been 338 win mag. LOL.

I'd take my 284 if I ever get it shooting, enough gun and light weight.

But then again I'd take a 223 or 243 too and not worry.

Shot length, what we saw, it could be as far as you wanted it, down to extremely close when calling them.

I've not hunted that early in the year though.

I would take the most weather resistant rifle you own personally. I would not consider something heavy or buying something new assuming you have some to pick from. Unless you just want a new one. Then if I didn't have a light mountain type thats what I'd invest in.