What gun?

Hey a question for you guys. I am looking to go mule deer hunting in south dakota this year. and next year I am going to alaska to hunt moose, caribou and black bear. I don't know much about rifles.... Thing is I want to buy a gun that works for both hunts. What rifle would you recommend for these types of hunts? I have been told by several people that a 7mm would work well.

What do you think?

Thanks, Jason

I think the 7mm Remington Magnum is a bit small for Alaskan moose...and definately small if you are going to be in an area where there are Grizzly

What would you recommend? Someone also mentioned a 300. Does that have more knock down power?

Thanks, Jas

I'd say 80% of the hunters I know use a 7mm rem mag for all those. It's a great caliber up here except for browns. There are a few that say you need something as big as a 338 for moose to knock them down. Just shoot em' twice, their not that difficult, may even just stand there waiting for your second round cause their too dumb to realize they have been shot.

At both ends!

The dilemma here is that a rifle large & powerful enough to be recommended for grizzly is not going to be a rifle that you'll want to do a lot of practicing with (unless you're immune to recoil & muzzle blast).

What are your future plans? If this trip North for Alaskan game is once-in-a-lifetime, don't buy a rifle that will be only marginally useful the rest of the time.

I'd say your idea of a 7mm Magnum sounds most practical. For the big stuff, excellent 175-grain bullets are readily available; for Mainland game, and regular practice, the lighter bullets recoil less.

7mm STW will work great on both a little much for deer and its a little spendy on bullets though

30. 06

Remington Scirocco or Winchester Fail Safe in 30.06 Springfield 165 gr for the mule deer and maybe the black bear. (maybe ok with 150 gr for the muley) 180 gr for the moose, caribou and big black bear Best to check with a local guide/outfitter to get their recommendation. They are out there every day and know for sure.

You should fid a rifle that fits you firs and then decide in what cartridge to use. I like Ruger's more then Remington's they just fit me better. In a good stock the recoil will feel about the same for 7-08 to 3006 up to 7mm Remington Mag. I have shot them all and find the kick much the same. Up to the 300 Win mag with I find to be a fast hard snap in a Winchester stock but I like to shoot a Ruger 338 with out flinch.

Fit first the fire power next.

I would use a 338 win in Alaska. This gun is the ideal elk gun and would drop a moose faster that a 7mm. A 338 would also handle a big bear better that a 7mm.

try one of the new short mags in 7mm or 300 in a Winchester M70 or Remington 700