Best 300 Win Mag for Moose hunt

[Flyeaglesfly0629]

First thread here,

I’m going on a Moose hunt in Newfoundland Canada in September of 2019. I’m in need of a new rifle for this hunt and future big game hunts and I was deciding between a 7mm mag or 300 Win mag. Leaning towards a 300 Win Mag based on internet research and previous reccomendations.

Suggestions on best bolt action under $1200 (preferably), but $1500 max.

Scope recommendations welcome also!

Thanks guys and gals.

 

[tarosean]

1st of all there is no "Best". It is really about what qualities you want in a rifle. Lightweight? CRF? Etc. etc. etc.

As for 7RM vs. 300WM?
What is your hunting experience? Do you know anyone who owns both so you can test drive? I live in TX and own both. If you are close, Ill let you beat yourself up.
30.06 will drop a moose without the recoil of the belted mags. Dont get me wrong, I love them, but they are not for everyone!
Scopes are also very personal.. I prefer high end, but many will refute, saying theirs are just as good.

 

[Flyeaglesfly0629]

Fairly Light weight, well made, very accurate, weather resistant.

I’m a fairly experienced hunted. Hunted whitetail deer and geese for years. I’ve always used a .30-06 for whitetail. The problem with my .30-06 is that it’s really old and I don’t want to have to trust it when I’m taking a shot at a moose on a trip I’m spending thousands of dollars on.

I sadly don’t know anyone that owns either.

I’ve been looking at Leupold and vortex scopes, 3-9x40. I have an older Leupold on my .30-06 and I know about the quality of vortex glass. (I have a red dot and 3x).

 

[tarosean]

The problem with my .30-06 is that it’s really old and I don’t want to have to trust it when I’m taking a shot at a moose on a trip I’m spending thousands of dollars on.

Has it ever failed you? You could easily be fogged or rained in too. Thats the risk we take.
Personally, I'd use the one that is a known meat producer. Sure, I could tell you grab the Kimber Mountain Accent in 300WM. Its a 5-6lbs rifle with CRF. Yet that light you might want to make sure you are hunting with your dentist..

Both my 7mm's and my 300 are around 12lbs w/scopes. Not light by any stretch of the imagination. but I shave weight elsewhere in my pack..

 

[Flyeaglesfly0629]

It actually did, it sometimes doesn’t chamber the top round in the mag when I pull the bolt back and once I had to load a round in the chamber while a deer was about 50 yards away from me. It’s just old and sadly I’ve neglected it.

I really am looking for opinions for a new rifle.

 

[LoonWulf]

There are some very nice rifles in your budget, honestly im not sure which id chose. What model of rifle do you have now and do you want to stick with something similar just nicer? Or do you want to try something different?

Personally i would probably be looking as stainless, but i have had quite a few issues with rust....part and parcel to being in hawaii.

As to caliber the .30-06 should be plenty for what you want to do, but there isnt anything wrong with going to the 7mm or 300.
Personally i dont like the recoil from a 300 that weights less than 10lbs, its sharp and painful.
I find the 7mm to be very similar to the .30-06, but slightly sharper.
Having owned multiples of all 3 i would suggest the 7 (or another 30-06) over the 300 especially if your going with a lighter rifle, and wont get to shoot it before you buy it.

If im being honest tho ill almost always take a 7mm rem mag over anything else, just because i realy like the round.
I also seem to keep buying 300s....heck i still have brass, bullets, and dies even tho i dont own one right now.

I get the feeling your looking for a $Nice$ rifle, which is something i can appreciate. My most recent 7mm is a Ruger American Magnum, which wouldnt qualify, but if you cant decide on a nicer gun right now and want to try one of the mags would be a good entry level option.


Glass wise my default recommendations for a pure hunting gun are a Leupold vx3+ 3-9x40 or something similar. I happen to really LIKE Nikons, and i highly recommend those as well.
My prefered power range is with a low end of 2-4 and a top end around 14-16. But thats personal preference, and again mostly a 3-9 will do what you need.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Tikka. Or maybe a Tikka. If not, try a Tikka.

Go stainless with synthetic stock for bad weather.

 

[Grumulkin]

1. My 300 Winchester Magnum is an Encore and my 7mm Remington Magnum is an Encore but you want a bolt action. I have a Tikka and really like it so I would have to consider that a good recommendation. I also wouldn't exclude offerings by Remington, Winchester, Weatherby and Ruger.

2. For hunting in an area where precipitation could be expected I would go with a stainless steel action in a synthetic stock.

3. At the ranges a moose is likely to be shot at a lot of cartridges would work including a 30/06. On the other hand, if you will at some time wish to use the gun at longer ranges; say 400 yards or more, the 7mm Remington Magnum and 300 Winchester Magnum are nice to have; especially the 7mm Remington Magnum with the high ballistic coefficient bullets you can get for it. I don't think there is much recoil difference between the latter two.

4. My scopes are Leupold and Nightforce. Need I say more? I've found 7X on the top end very adequate even for a small (crow) 300 plus yard target. If you need to take a close shot, the option of 1X or 2X is quite handy.

 

[HamSlamma]

I like Savage with a Meopta scope........

http://www.meoptasportsoptics.com/s...ostar-r1r-3-12x56/ctgRus.html?interestTopic=2

 

[Flyeaglesfly0629]

There are some very nice rifles in your budget, honestly im not sure which id chose. What model of rifle do you have now and do you want to stick with something similar just nicer? Or do you want to try something different?

Personally i would probably be looking as stainless, but i have had quite a few issues with rust....part and parcel to being in hawaii.

As to caliber the .30-06 should be plenty for what you want to do, but there isnt anything wrong with going to the 7mm or 300.
Personally i dont like the recoil from a 300 that weights less than 10lbs, its sharp and painful.
I find the 7mm to be very similar to the .30-06, but slightly sharper.
Having owned multiples of all 3 i would suggest the 7 (or another 30-06) over the 300 especially if your going with a lighter rifle, and wont get to shoot it before you buy it.

If im being honest tho ill almost always take a 7mm rem mag over anything else, just because i realy like the round.
I also seem to keep buying 300s....heck i still have brass, bullets, and dies even tho i dont own one right now.

I get the feeling your looking for a $Nice$ rifle, which is something i can appreciate. My most recent 7mm is a Ruger American Magnum, which wouldnt qualify, but if you cant decide on a nicer gun right now and want to try one of the mags would be a good entry level option.


Glass wise my default recommendations for a pure hunting gun are a Leupold vx3+ 3-9x40 or something similar. I happen to really LIKE Nikons, and i highly recommend those as well.
My prefered power range is with a low end of 2-4 and a top end around 14-16. But thats personal preference, and again mostly a 3-9 will do what you need.

Right now I have a semi-auto .30-06 Springfield with a wood stock, with a 3-9x40 scope on it. The rifle is probably 40 years old at least.

I was deffintely looking at synthetic and stainless.

Question, how’s the recoil of a 300win mag or 7mm mag compared to a .30-06. I personally don’t think the kick of a .30-06 is anything at all.

For the rifle: I guess i misspoke, I think $1500 would be the max for the scope and rifle.

I was looking at any variation of a Remington 700, savage 110, ruger m77 Hawkeye, CZ.

Any other options would be entertained.

That Leupold would be great. I believe that’s what I was comparing to the vortex Diamondback 3-9x40.

 

[LoonWulf]

https://www.brownells.com/firearms/...remington-magnum-24in-3-1-7121-prod92963.aspx
One of the better deals going right now. I opted for the american, but im also seriously considering adding one of these as well.

I find the 30-06 very comfortable to shoot as well, especially from a semi auto (i had a remington 7400). The 7mag has a noticeable increase in recoil but not enough to be uncomfortable from an equal weight rifle.

The .300 seems to be at the very edge of the recoil level and sharpness where it starts to hurt for me. This will vary depending on shooter and load.
I prefer a 300 weigh atleast a couple pounds more than a 30-06 or 7mm of the same design.
I also tend to run heavy bullets from all of my rifles. 180 class in my 06, 162s in my 7mm, and 208s in my .300s.

 

[jmr40]

The 30-06 and 7mag shoot similar bullet weights to similar speeds. The 7 mag burns slightly more powder, so it has slightly more recoil. But if I were to let you fire identical 30-06 and 7 mag rifles side by side and didn't tell you which were which you couldn't tell by the recoil which were which.

At closer ranges (under 300 yards) no animal will ever notice the difference between 7 mag, 30-06, or 300 WM.

The 7 mag with the same, or similar, bullet weights as 30-06 are more aerodynamic and retain those speeds better at long range. Beyond 300 yards they are moving enough faster to start to matter and they shoot a little flatter. A 30-06 is a 500 yard elk or moose rifle. The magnums add another 100-200 yards to that capability.

The 300 mag shoots similar bullet weights 150-200 fps faster than 7 mag or 30-06. At ranges less than 300 yards dead is dead. No animal will ever notice the difference between the 3. Since the 300 starts the same, or very similar, bullet weights faster they tend to be faster at longer ranges. But since the 7 mag is shooting more aerodynamic bullets, as range increases the advantage becomes less.

Some recoil numbers for comparison. Assuming 180 gr 30 caliber bullets and 175 gr 7mm bullets a typical 30-06 or 7 mag will hit you with about 20-22 ft lbs of recoil. A 300 WM will be in the 28-30 ft lb range. A 308 or 7-08 is around 16-18 ft lbs. recoil. This varies depending on the exact load and weight of the rifle.

Another thing to consider. The magnums are 3+1 mag capacity. Standard calibers are either 4 or 5+1. They also come with 24" or 26" barrels which are less handy in brush compared to 22" barrels typically on standard calibers.

As to rifles. Moose are typically hunted in harsh conditions. Rain, and mud are common. Boats are often used to reach where you're hunting. Moose are also large targets that are rarely shot at long range. That means a rugged dependable rifle trumps accuracy. This is where a CRF action shines. My 1st choice would be a Winchester EW in 30-06. If you can find one a Hawkeye in the same caliber.

 

[Flyeaglesfly0629]

The 30-06 and 7mag shoot similar bullet weights to similar speeds. The 7 mag burns slightly more powder, so it has slightly more recoil. But if I were to let you fire identical 30-06 and 7 mag rifles side by side and didn't tell you which were which you couldn't tell by the recoil which were which.

At closer ranges (under 300 yards) no animal will ever notice the difference between 7 mag, 30-06, or 300 WM.

The 7 mag with the same, or similar, bullet weights as 30-06 are more aerodynamic and retain those speeds better at long range. Beyond 300 yards they are moving enough faster to start to matter and they shoot a little flatter. A 30-06 is a 500 yard elk or moose rifle. The magnums add another 100-200 yards to that capability.

The 300 mag shoots similar bullet weights 150-200 fps faster than 7 mag or 30-06. At ranges less than 300 yards dead is dead. No animal will ever notice the difference between the 3. Since the 300 starts the same, or very similar, bullet weights faster they tend to be faster at longer ranges. But since the 7 mag is shooting more aerodynamic bullets, as range increases the advantage becomes less.

Some recoil numbers for comparison. Assuming 180 gr 30 caliber bullets and 175 gr 7mm bullets a typical 30-06 or 7 mag will hit you with about 20-22 ft lbs of recoil. A 300 WM will be in the 28-30 ft lb range. A 308 or 7-08 is around 16-18 ft lbs. recoil. This varies depending on the exact load and weight of the rifle.

Another thing to consider. The magnums are 3+1 mag capacity. Standard calibers are either 4 or 5+1. They also come with 24" or 26" barrels which are less handy in brush compared to 22" barrels typically on standard calibers.

As to rifles. Moose are typically hunted in harsh conditions. Rain, and mud are common. Boats are often used to reach where you're hunting. Moose are also large targets that are rarely shot at long range. That means a rugged dependable rifle trumps accuracy. This is where a CRF action shines. My 1st choice would be a Winchester EW in 30-06. If you can find one a Hawkeye in the same caliber.

Really great info man, thank you.

Sorry for my ignorance, but what is CRF?

 

[Laphroaig]

I'd base my caliber choice on your future big game plans. IMO either the -06 or 7 Mag will reliably kill any NA game up through elk and are not overkill for deer and the like. Maybe if big bears, like grizzly or Alaskan brown, are definitely in your future, get the .300 Mag.

I hunted moose in Newfoundland a couple of years ago. I took my M70 30-06 and killed a nice bull at 275 yds. The most experienced hunter in our camp, who has hunted there for 15+ years and killed a moose every year, shot a Ruger #1 in 30-06, Sierra 150 gr. handloads. You don't need a magnum to kill a Newfoundland moose.

 

[Laphroaig]

what is CRF

Controlled round feed. Like a Mauser.

 

[entropy]

I had a Ruger 77 in a McMillan stock topped with a 2-7 Leupold for my moose hunt, but that may not be the best for you. My Dad shot the moose on that hunt with a Sako. Worked OK for him, but again, might not be best for you. I do highly recommend a McMillan stock, it took the wallop out of shooting .300 Win. Mag.

 

[CraigC]

You don't need a magnum to kill moose. All they gain you over the .30-06 is range. I'm not at all a .30-06 fan but for game like moose, it really shines. So I'd suggest sticking with the cartridge and using a good 180gr controlled expansion bullet. Plenty of good stainless .30-06 bolt guns on the market. Get to some shops and handle a few. Pick the one you like best, stick a new Leupold on it and you're set.

For me, we traveled to Maine last year and I bought a Winchester 94 .375 from LL Bean. I'd like to return and take a moose with it.

 

[Robert]

As far as the rifle, I'd get a Winchester Model 70 and top it with a Leupold low to mid power scope. They make several stainless synthetic models that would work fine. As far as caliber, between the two I'd go with 300WM but I'm not a huge fan of either. I went with a 375H&H and never looked back. But that's me, and I'm different...

 

[redneck2]

I just got a Browning X-Bolt in 7 Mag. Topped it with a 2-12x42 Leupold VX-6. 2 power on the bottom end, 12 on top. Should cover everything. I got the Firedot reticule for bad weather. Scope has HD (super clear) glass, rain guard coating so moisture runs off rather than beading up. They have other scopes that cost less and are as good as the VX-6 but about 1/2 the price, just don’t have the 6 times power range.

The Firedot is easy to see but small enough so that it doesn’t obscure the target. Instant off/on and the reticule is an ordinary one with the dot off. Phenomenal in bad weather or dusk/dawn.

The scope comes with flip caps. If you get a scope that doesn’t, I’d most strongly suggest getting some. Protects the lens from dirt, rain/snow, scratches. When you’re ready to shoot they flip up instantly.

When I worked at the LGS, I’d see guys go on a trip of a lifetime and take junk equipment. You may only get one chance in your lifetime. You’re wise to use good equipment

Actually, you could have a rack full of rifles. Anything from .257 Roberts through.300 Win Mag. In Savage, Winchester, Tikka, Browning, etc. I’d pick the one with the best scope over all others. I have a Savage 99 in .300 Savage. Built in 1952. I’d have no qualms about taking it, assuming it had a really good scope. The only brand I would avoid is Remington or anything of current manufacturer by their ownership group.

My second concern would be the best ammo. High quality bonded core or solid Barnes type bullet.

Only reason I got a 7 Mag was because the Browning has an excellent reputation for reliability and accuracy and that’s what the dealer had at a super price. If it had been .270,.308,or .30-06 id still have gotten it

A given brand of 150 grain bullet at 2,500 FPS is gonna perform no matter the shape of case or name on the head stamp. Guys get all wrapped around the axle over case name and shape. Worry about something worth worrying about

I’d be more inclined to get something used and put money into optics (including really good binos) and good footwear

 

[Patocazador]

I had a 7mm mag and didn't like the recoil so I gave it to my brother. The .300 mag ups the ante. Make sure that you are comfortable with the increased recoil over your .30-06 before jumping in on a higher recoiling cartridge.
BTW, I killed my moose with a 7mm Mauser (7x57) and my wife killed hers with a .280. Neither one went more than 10 yards after the shot.

 

[Rodman579]

I would get a Ruger 77 Stainless in 300 win mag topped with a Leupold vx3 3.5-10×40. Great rifles and have been very accurate. I did upgrade one to a hogue stock full bed block that i picked up ebay cheap. The other one has a zytel boat paddle stock. The 300wm has served me well I lived in Alaska on everything. Also nice cause you can buy ammo for it about anywhere.

 

[tarosean]

I’d be more inclined to get something used and put money into optics (including really good binos) and good footwear

Definitely something to be said about this. Id do the same if I had to stay within a certain budget.

Seen too many hunts ruined from bad footwear choices.

 

[Flyeaglesfly0629]

Well, I’ve got the footwear covered already.

Just looking for rifle and scope recommendations.

For those of you talking about the recoil of a 7mm mag or 300 win mag, what does it feel like compared to a .30-06? Twice as much, 5 times?


Also, what are the opinions of here about barrel lengths. I’ve only seen 22 inch barrels for .30-06 rifles. I could’ve missed some that are longer in certain brands, but that’s what I saw

 

[Laphroaig]

Well, I’ve got the footwear covered already.

Muck boots?

 

[LoonWulf]

Well, I’ve got the footwear covered already.

Just looking for rifle and scope recommendations.

For those of you talking about the recoil of a 7mm mag or 300 win mag, what does it feel like compared to a .30-06? Twice as much, 5 times?


Also, what are the opinions of here about barrel lengths. I’ve only seen 22 inch barrels for .30-06 rifles. I could’ve missed some that are longer in certain brands, but that’s what I saw

The 7mm and the .30-06 will be very close to the same. Recoil energy is similar.
The .300 will recoil with only about 5-8ft/lbs more energy, and 2fps faster. Numbers wise this translates into about 1/4 more recoil from the same rifle.
While that dosent seem like alot, I find the .300 uncomfortable in the same guns I'd find a 06 or 7mm very comfortable.

Something else to consider is coming from a semi, the recoil your used to has a longer pulse, and some is reduced by the action itself. Recoil from a non semiauto will be sharper, and slightly heavier, from a equal weight gun/cartridge.