Is this caliber powerful enough?

[broncoformudv]

Will this question ever end on here? Maybe its just me but dang its getting old seeing thread after thread of these types of questions.

What happened to talking to friends, looking in reloading manuals, reading write ups in hunting and gun magazines, or just figuring it out on your own?

If you can't figure it out on your own why not look up Federal, Winchester, etc on the internet since they spell out for you what type of bullet and caliber is for each game type.

Maybe I am just being to picky and need to get outside and do some shooting or hunting.

If none of that works then shoot the most powerful caliber you feel comfortable with in the gun style you either like the most or is the most comfortable for you to shoulder and carry.

And by the way people have been using blued metal and wood stocks for quite some time and still managed to harvest every species of animal with them granted they do require a bit of care and do show a little love after being hunted with in the alders and such. So if this is what you own and like then by all means take it with you on your hunt and bring some oil and a cleaning rod.

Rob

 

[kingfisherktn]

Hey, did your wife catch you buying another gun or summpin?

 

[Vince]

well maybe Mike can dig up a bunch of these threads and combine them into a sticky.... i know there have been at least a dozen of these threads in the last 6 months...

 

[AGL4now]

well maybe Mike can dig up a bunch of these threads and combine them into a sticky.... i know there have been at least a dozen of these threads in the last 6 months...

It would not matter, Many people ask questions, not for answers, but for entertainment. As in, "I think, therefore I am", They ask questions to have a life. They need the attention, even negative attention, is some attention to them.

 

[barko]

Most people who ask these questions are new to this forum. They do not know how to do a search and there for post a question that concerns them.

It is much easier to post a question and read the answers than search all the old posts on this forum also.

I do understand people get tired of reading the same questions over and over again and answering the same questions, But what are forums for. I am sure every question that can be asked has been answered on here one time or another, Wouldn't you say this is a true statement? If the answer to this is yes, then why not shut down the forum and just leave the old archives for people to read, Please don't. I enjoy the discussions as I am sure many do. Like one said it is intertainment and something to do when all the reloading and researching is done. You get to know people and make new friends each year. You find new hunting partners and share adventures with each other. So please do not make our new members feel bad about posting old questions. Do like Mike and tell them about the archives, then answer there question anyways, they will learn how to use the system, I did. Have a great day and keep the entertainment coming.

 

[300S&W]

"......shoot the most powerful caliber you feel comfortable with in the gun style you either like the most or is the most comfortable for you to shoulder and carry."

That's exactly the mind set I used almost 30yrs ago in selecting my first,and at the time thought would be my only,new centerfire rifle. It's still a good rule for today.

 

[mod elan]

Hey, did your wife catch you buying another gun or summpin?

Bingo! We have a winner. Of course it was for her right?

I think a lot of us are getting cabin fever with all the rain and melting. Sure hope we get some more snow soon.

 

[broncoformudv]

Bingo! We have a winner. Of course it was for her right?

They are all for her as well as the boat, truck, etc. the more outdoor stuff I get her the more she has to go out and use it then I get to go out as well! You guys haven't figured that out yet?

 

[wv_2008]

Lack of experience for many of us

Lack of experience for many of us

Will this question ever end on here? Maybe its just me but dang its getting old seeing thread after thread of these types of questions.

There are as many opinions as there are people. Most people on here say you need at least a .338 or larger for bear, the ADFG says an 30-06 is sufficient for any large game. I have never shot or hunted for brown bear, thereby take into consideration the input of those that have and do hunt brown bear for a living. For that matter, bears are harvested with bows every year; it doesn't mean there are no risks associated with it. It seems like many are trying to maximize potential while minimizing risk; doesn't seem that far fetched. However, too many people are being influence to take a caliber for which they obviously can not shoot. Caliber can not replace accuracy for any game.

Many people need just to find their niche and stick with the rifle they are comfortable with. IF it was meant to be, nothing you can do will stop it--something like fate I guess.

I personally like reading all the stories and looking at pictures of game that I never had a chance to pursue or place to hunt. Like living vicariously through many Alaskans'. Thanks for reading.

 

[Matt]

Will this question ever end on here? Maybe its just me but dang its getting old seeing thread after thread of these types of questions.

I think the majority of these questions are coming from the people who are new to this site, or to Alaska or the hunting up here. What's wrong with that? Ain't that the purpose of this site?

 

[strangerinastrangeland]

Maby we should have a permanent post stating " 30-06 is a fine start, bring what you can accuratly shoot with"

~~LOL!!!!~

 

[Maydog]

already Know?

already Know?

I've always felt that most folks know the answer to their question before they ask it, because of the many sources if info available, so I agree that it comes down to entertainment to fill a void, and that's a good thing. For the one's that actually don't know, most are giving the benefit of doubt and lending (hopefully) a helping hand. I know sometimes we take these things too seriously...when we start doing that and becoming irritable, maybe it's time to take a time out. Ciao.

 

[Brian M]

I think the majority of these questions are coming from the people who are new to this site, or to Alaska or the hunting up here. What's wrong with that? Ain't that the purpose of this site?

Exactly. One of the primary purposes of this site is to share information, much of it flowing from the experienced to the newer outdoorsman. Some new to this site spend a good deal of time lurking before they post a question, but others jump right in as soon as they stumble across the forums. Good on 'em, I say. If we have the same questions every few weeks, I consider that a sign of strength as we continue to grow and welcome new people in.

Perhaps we should post a sticky at the top with a tutorial on how to use the search function, though. Maybe we could hyperlink the five most popular searches?

On that note, if we did something like that, which standard searches should we highlight? Popular calibers for hunting, Haul Road hunting, bear baiting, moose hunting, and.... ideas?

 

[klickitat]

Could you imagine if some one from the lower 48 presumed to know everything and told you boys up in Alaska that a 30-06 is good for any and all game even though they have never hunted it.

Or what if they were so full of themselves that they totally had no respect for the men and women who are living it and instead just accepted the gun writers line "The 30-06 is accptable for any game in North America."

hmmm.... Who put the turd in your punch bowl? You should see the compliment and respect given you when it is presented.

 

[magneto]

I think a lot of guys see this as a once in a lifetime purchase and want to get it right. Besides, I like reading everyone's opinion.

Oh, buy the way the advanced search feature works really good.

 

[tedhsfs]

This question will never end

This question will never end

Will this question ever end on here?

This question will never end nor should it. These questions are just a quest for more information on a subject which is always advancing, highly biased and filled with expert information and useless drivel. The problem comes in separating the two. The 30-06 a caliber which is refered to often, has probably killed more big game animals than the next three most popular cartridges combined, 30-30 excluded. Some seem to think this is because of some inherent superiority in its design, I disagree. The 30-06 was by far the most produced rifle in the 20th century in the United States. The military used it, in great numbers well into the late 1900's. Ammunition was always available and at a reasonable cost. This made it popular and widely used for any and all game. Is it adaquate? Yes. But then again a 1980 Ford Grenada is adaquate transportation but I wouldn't want one if I though I could have something better for the same price. Is there something better today for hunting in Alaska?

Today hunter's have much more information available, literally at their fingertips. Sometimes this presents a problem, often two well known experts in the hunting world will have very different opinions. Forums such as this provides information that could not be obtained talking to local hunter in the lower 48 that have limited or no experience in these specific matters.

My $.01 on the caliber issue. There are better options than the 30-06. The .30 cal magnums for a start. With todays bullets and powder you can achieve the same fps with a 220gr bullet fired from one of these magnums as you can with a 30-06 with 180gr bullets of the same construction, with equal accuracy. Not only does the weight make a difference but the advancement in bullet technology allows this extra energy to be absorbed by the animal rather than being "wasted" exiting the animal and doing damage to the tree behind it or disintigrating prematurely.

The .338wm may be the best compromise. With time and experimentation you can find loads that will work well for every big game animal in AK. Otherwise, look into premium ammunition with top quality bullets for big and dangerous game and reduced recoil lighter ammo made for other big game.

Repeating what others have said, get comfortable with whatever you plan to shoot. Research the animal you plan to hunt, get an idea of where you want to aim from various angles and elevations. This may sound elementary but you would be amazed at how many seasoned hunter fail to properly identify the proper shot when looking at an animal in 3D. Most hunters overestimate their shooting abilities, in most places it really doesn't matter, in Alaska it may.

 

[hoose35]

I only read the posts that interest me, so if a question or statement is posted that you don't want to read, then its simple, don't read it.

 

[jmg]

Could you imagine if some one from the lower 48 presumed to know everything and told you boys up in Alaska that a 30-06 is good for any and all game even though they have never hunted it.

Or what if they were so full of themselves that they totally had no respect for the men and women who are living it and instead just accepted the gun writers line "The 30-06 is accptable for any game in North America."

hmmm.... Who put the turd in your punch bowl? You should see the compliment and respect given you when it is presented.

Ask many a folk here in Alaska - those who are living it - and they too will tell you that the 30-06 has taken 'em all up here.

 

[klickitat]

Ask many a folk here in Alaska - those who are living it - and they too will tell you that the 30-06 has taken 'em all up here.

and that seems to be the most advice I got as well, but I sure as heck was not going to presume to know with out having any experience. I have hunted everything I could down here in Washington (except I ahven't drawn a moose tag yet), but that's not Alaska and so I asked Alaskans as do others.

 

[Phil]

Hey Bronco

Hey Bronco

Must be winter (meaning not much hunting). It's cold, dark, and members of the forum are getting irritable.

Lighten up a little.

My $.02? An 06 will certainly kill anything going. In the rare event that a big bear is charging I want something bigger. Notice that Brnbr signs off with a .416. I suspect that means something.