Stepping up to Big Medicine

[awildswanger]

I’ve currently got a .25-06 and a .270, considering moving up in caliber to the big elk/moose medicine. Would a .300 win mag be too much overlap with the current options?

I don’t currently reload, though I would like to get into that.

What other calibers would be good contenders? Thanks

 

[FLAK]

300WM = Perfect

 

[pirogue]

Another vote for stepping up to .300 Win Mag

 

[N2TRKYS]

You can buy a 300 win mag, however, definitely not needed.

 

[brsnow]

You are set for your desired game, but no reason not to buy more.

 

[Mule3006Elk]

I have a 300 WM. Love it. Recoil is not bad at all (IMO). What's nice is I never ponder if I am under gunned.
I reload which add to the versatility. I can load low if needed, similar velocities, to a hot 30-06.

 

[LightFoot]

270 Win is fine for elk/moose with a premium, well-constructed bullet.

For a new rifle for elk/moose, hard to argue with the 300 Win.



>>>----JAKE----->

 

[Mule3006Elk]

You are set for your desired game, but no reason not to buy more.

AGREE. ALWAYS a reason.

 

[Marbles]

Lots of overlap. If you just want a 300 mag go for it, but a 270 has you covered. KE is over rated in my opinion, so outside of long range shooting I don't put much stock in marginal (200-300 fps) velocity gains so long as velocity is high enough for the bullet in question to perform as designed.

Using Winchester Expedition Big Game ammo with AccuBonds.
270 win
140 gr: 2950 fps: SD 0.261: BC 0.472.
300 win mag
180 gr: 2950 fps: SD 0.271: BC 0.509.

Personally, I see a 338 win mag as the next logical step up if a harder hit is desired. However, if I add a cartridge larger than my 30-06 it will be a 375 H&H as I feel there is too much overlap between 30-06 and 338 win mag.

 

[bbell]

Got another option. Rebarrel your .270 to .35 Whelen. Then you got a heavy hitter and your 25/06 will be a flat shooter.

 

[elkguide]

.300 Win Mag fanboy here.

Shot coyotes to elk last year with one of my .300's.

 

[awildswanger]

You are set for your desired game, but no reason not to buy more.

My thoughts exactly

 

[awildswanger]

I have a 300 WM. Love it. Recoil is not bad at all (IMO). What's nice is I never ponder if I am under gunned.
I reload which add to the versatility. I can load low if needed, similar velocities, to a hot 30-06.

That is a fantastic point

 

[awildswanger]

Lots of overlap. If you just want a 300 mag go for it, but a 270 has you covered. KE is over rated in my opinion, so outside of long range shooting I don't put much stock in marginal (200-300 fps) velocity gains so long as velocity is high enough for the bullet in question to perform as designed.

Using Winchester Expedition Big Game ammo with AccuBonds.
270 win
140 gr: 2950 fps: SD 0.261: BC 0.472.
300 win mag
180 gr: 2950 fps: SD 0.271: BC 0.509.

Personally, I see a 338 win mag as the next logical step up if a harder hit is desired. However, if I add a cartridge larger than my 30-06 it will be a 375 H&H as I feel there is too much overlap between 30-06 and 338 win mag.

Hmm, that is something to consider. If I really really wanted a big thumper I’d have to go .375 H&H, but one big .30 cal at a time

 

[CApighunter]

Could always step up to a 338 win mag if the 300 is too much overlap for you.

 

[Nomadx2]

If you are stepping up from those, consider the animal size & mass and not getting a clear shot to vitals (heart, lung, etc.).

A 300 WIN Mag has short range explosive killing power and long range flat shooting. When an animal does not present perfect shot and you have to go through bone, you want velocity & mass. An elk or moose is 4-5 times the size of a deer most will shoot.

Whatever you choose .... practice, practice, practice ... become comfortable with all shooting positions and possible yardage you will encounter. Bigger caliber does not overcome poor shooting.

 

[awildswanger]

Could always step up to a 338 win mag if the 300 is too much overlap for you.

Fantastic Point, what I’m hearing is to buy both

 

[awildswanger]

That is absolutely something to consider, thank you for that

If you are stepping up from those, consider the animal size & mass and not getting a clear shot to vitals (heart, lung, etc.).

A 300 WIN Mag has short range explosive killing power and long range flat shooting. When an animal does not present perfect shot and you have to go through bone, you want velocity & mass. An elk or moose is 4-5 times the size of a deer most will shoot.

Whatever you choose .... practice, practice, practice ... become comfortable with all shooting positions and possible yardage you will encounter. Bigger caliber does not overcome poor shooting.

 

[TREE ‘EM]

I'm finally following the advice I was given 40 years ago. You need two rifles for all of your big game. A 6.5X55, 30/06 or .270 Win and a .375 H&H.
I'm working on getting down to pretty much just a (5) 270 and a 375 Ruger with a 375 H&H on the way.

Disclaimer, I'll never be without a 30/06 and the 6.5CM has really grown on me.

Whatever you buy, buy quality. You'll appreciate it more down the road and if you decide to part with it you stand a better chance of recouping your money.

 

[hodgeman]

A .300 is never the wrong choice for anything in N. America. I don't see much overlap at all.

Nothing wrong with a 270...but it's definitely not a .300.