What caliber? AK Moose

[cnelk]

The 340 has an AccuBrake so the recoil isn’t an issue. Now if I unscrew it and put the barrel cap on, that’s a completely different discussion. Lol!

The Weatherby weighs in at 11lbs. Winchester at 9lbs and is 6 inches shorter.

We will be landing on a small lake and hunting nearby small openings and woods mostly.

 

[WMR]

I doubt he will notice recoil if he is actually shooting at a moose. I never do.

Not to get off topic, but what bullet do you shoot in your 340? The Hornady 225 would not be in my top 5 choices for heavy game in this cartridge. It seems like it might be too soft. Thanks.

 

[cnelk]

Not to get off topic, but what bullet do you shoot in your 340? The Hornady 225 would not be in my top 5 choices for heavy game in this cartridge. It seems like it might be too soft. Thanks.

Both calibers use the Hornady Interlocks

 

[WMR]

Both calibers use the Hornady Interlocks

I noticed that. The 30cal 180gr has a good reputation at 30-06 velocities. I just wondered if the 338 225gr would stay together on heavy game at 340 speeds. Of course either one should be fine if placed in the ribs.

 

[prm]

Curious, will a 340 with a brake recoil less than an -06?

 

[cnelk]

I noticed that. The 30cal 180gr has a good reputation at 30-06 velocities. I just wondered if the 338 225gr would stay together on heavy game at 340 speeds. Of course either one should be fine if placed in the ribs.

I shot this Wyoming cow at 560yds with the 340 WBY using the Interlocks.

Complete pass thru -disintegrated the heart on it’s path.

 

[cnelk]

Curious, will a 340 with a brake recoil less than an -06?

I’ve researched that the 340 recoil with a brake is equivalent to a 7mmMag (with no brake)

It’s definitely not a fun gun to shoot.
You either get walluped with the muzzle blast or walluped with recoil.

 

[prm]

Thanks!

Can't imagine the end result is going to be different either way. The -06 is never the wrong answer.

 

[WMR]

Good shooting on the elk. Can't be any deader than that! I wonder if it would do the same with an angling shot on a moose at 50 yards? That would test the bullet a lot more. Anyway, good luck.

 

[AKDoc]

Need some input:

Me and a buddy are going to AK on a fly-in moose hunt this Sept.
He doesnt have a 'moose rifle', so Im going to have him use one of mine.
He has the moose tag

Here are the choices

1 - Winchester 30-06 Model 70 [older gun] - 180gr Hornady handloads

2 - Weatherby .340 Mag Mark V Alaskan - 225gr Hornady handloads [w/ Accu Brake]

The 30-06 is shorter and lighter, the 340 is, well... a cannon
He will not have a chance to shoot either rifle before the hunt.

Which gun makes the trip?

Im leaning towards the '06

Quick answer to your specific question...I join with what others are saying...the 30-06 will do it. I'm glad you have no concerns of your buddy's rifle shooting skills...that would be a bit of a stretch for me in your shoes, but you know him. You hand-load (as do I), so I'm sure you'll have that rifle/load dialed-in and a drop table with you. Some dry-fire should give him a feel for the trigger.

I'm sure you've thought of this option, but I'll mention it...bring both your rifles, leave the 44mag lever action at home. Have your buddy carry the '06, and you carry the 340WBY. Sh-t does happen sometimes despite our best efforts, and I would want to be able to put a finishing shot on that bull if needed...and that 340WBY will reach way out there, which might be needed before a wounded bull jumps in a lake, goes over the ridge, disappears in the thick brush, etc., etc.

Best of luck on your hunt, and an advanced welcome to Alaska!

Edit: Readers should check the regulations in advance and make some calls to ADFG and Fish/Game enforcement (Troopers) to see under what circumstantial situations, if any, the above is acceptable to do.

 

[cnelk]

My B&C Colorado Shiras succumbed to 225gr bullets.

 

[cnelk]

Back in 2016, I went to Alaska on a moose hunt with my buddy. I brought my bow and he had his 375 HH.
I ended up using his 375 HH to take my 60” moose.

IMO- anyone that’s been around guns and is familiar with them can pick up a weapon and be successful.

I’m going to switch gears and follow AKDoc’s idea and bring both rifles. I’m gonna have a hunting license anyway (maybe a wolf/ black bear opportunity ) and then the ‘just in case’ something happens to the moose rifle we are covered.

 

[Elkfitness]

I like the idea of two rifles too. Good luck!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Back in 2016, I went to Alaska on a moose hunt with my buddy. I brought my bow and he had his 375 HH.
I ended up using his 375 HH to take my 60” moose.

IMO- anyone that’s been around guns and is familiar with them can pick up a weapon and be successful.

I’m going to switch gears and follow AKDoc’s idea and bring both rifles. I’m gonna have a hunting license anyway (maybe a wolf/ black bear opportunity ) and then the ‘just in case’ something happens to the moose rifle we are covered.



View attachment 290486

375HH makes a perfect moose rifle.

 

[OXN939]

The one he shoots well. Caliber is an extreme second to shot placement.

Possibly unpopular opinion, if he can't shoot and become familiar with the rifle before shooting it at an animal, should he be shooting it at an animal?

This x100

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I’m going to be the voice of dissent here and say that I don’t like the 30-06 for moose. The first few moose I killed were with a 30-06 because that’s what I had at the time. It worked but the last few years during moose hunts I’ve been glad I had a bit more power. I also like to have some real stopping power in case I either get a chance at a bear while I’m out (perks of being an AK resident) or have to deal with a bear while butchering or camping.

My vote goes for something in the 300wm, 338, WM, 340w or a 375 of some sort.

 

[Smtn10pt]

One rifle is called the "Alaskan" Cant leave that one home.

 

[Steve O]

I crushed my only moose in the Yukon with a .270 so IMO it doesn’t matter. I think he’s at a huge advantage not shooting the 340 until he’s on a moose. Tell him the break makes it feel like a 243 and have him destroy any bull he has a chance at...squeeze that trigger baby...he won’t feel a thing.

 

[AKDoc]

375HH makes a perfect moose rifle.

No argument from me...my fall carry rifle up here for the past 20+ years and for each future fall is my 375H&H. 270gr TSX's and RL-15 are a perfect handloading combo, and I've been fortunate to have cleanly taken numerous moose and several grizzlies with it. That said, I sure don't like shooting it from the bench, but I do every year...proudly wearing a recoil shoulder (sissy) pad...and it takes me lots of dry firing between shots from the bench to keep from developing a flinch in anticipation of that heavy recoil/push!

That said, the bottom line is all about good shot placement, and a bullet that will penetrate, expand, and hold together. For the last eight or so years I've been moose hunting in predominately wet areas, so I enjoy calling them up close to me, and then head shooting them to drop DRT on good dry ground. In those preferred scenarios I sure don't need a 375H&H, but I still will be bringing it every fall...even though I have a 30-06 in the gun safe, and that cartridge has probably killed every type of big game animal on earth!

 

[thinhorn_AK]

One rifle is called the "Alaskan" Cant leave that one home.

Ruger really hit it out of the park with their "alaskan" and "guide" marketing. I've still never met a guide who carries a Ruger guide gun. I sure do see a lot of the Alaskan revolvers up for sale at the end of every summer.