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hoppdoc
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Reged: 02/03/06
Posts: 1791
Loc: Southeastern USA

Best American BIG GAME CALLIBER!!
#101635 - 05/04/08 11:22 AM

We all have personal preferences for our Big Game rifles--

What would be your preference for taking on ALL American BIG GAME-Brown Bear,Polar Bear,Black Bear,Elk,Moose, etc??

Only one caliber for all- Watcha gonna pick?? Why is your caliber the best??

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An armed man is a citizen of his country, an unarmed man just a subject.

Edited by hoppdoc (05/04/08 11:34 AM)

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hoppdoc
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Loc: Southeastern USA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: hoppdoc]
#101636 - 05/04/08 11:29 AM

I picked the 375 Ruger for ALL game--

Standard length action,excellent bullet selection,decent ballistics, good penetration, and capable of being made in a compact lightweight durable(yes,ugly)rifle package.

New ugly kid on the block but a better mousetrap for me!!

--------------------
An armed man is a citizen of his country, an unarmed man just a subject.

Edited by hoppdoc (05/04/08 11:58 AM)

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Ripp
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Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: hoppdoc]
#101640 - 05/04/08 11:58 AM

Because it included elk and "all" NA big game I chose the .338--perferrably I would choose the 338 Ultra--flat enough shooting for even the longer ranges...more than adequate killing power for anything that walks over here and good bullet selection..

Ripp

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ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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peter
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Reged: 11/04/07
Posts: 1493
Loc: denmark

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Ripp]
#101665 - 05/04/08 04:52 PM

i choose the 338 win, i think that would be the most practical application to all NA game. i would have liked it to be the 338 laupua instead though.

best regards

peter

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JabaliHunter
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Reged: 16/05/07
Posts: 1958
Loc: England

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: peter]
#101683 - 05/04/08 09:45 PM

How about the 8x68S ? Flat enough for sheep and goats, more than enough for deer, heavy enough for bears (not sure about Polar bears!)

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rscott
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Reged: 21/03/08
Posts: 328
Loc: wyo., USA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: JabaliHunter]
#101686 - 05/04/08 10:02 PM

picked the 338 win. and considered the 30-06 mainly because you can find ammo for them most anyplace. you never know when travelling!
JH, you sure picked a winner with the 8x68s and its puzzling why most of the great continental cartridges, (7X64, 8X68s and 9.3X64)to mention only three, never gained popularity. none of these are new and all perform equal to and in some repects better than many of the much newer american 'magnum' rounds.
any one of them would certainly qualify for this list!

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Landy
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Posts: 33
Loc: CA & ID, USA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: rscott]
#101783 - 06/04/08 02:27 PM

The Whelen or the 9.3x62. I voted for the 9.3 for the bullet weight for the big bears, but these two are so close and the Whelen with the 225 grainers is better for everything smaller. If these grand old rounds are not flat enough for you you are not getting close enough.

You did not give the .350RM a spot, which would get my vote if on the ballot. An intermediate or short action just allows a more toteable rifle. Fitting any of the others into about six pounds is just not practical.

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Nakihunter
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Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Landy]
#101794 - 06/04/08 05:27 PM

I had to pick the 375H&H over the 338 Win only because of the bears.

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Always shoot through the target & not just at it.

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bwananelson
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Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Nakihunter]
#101830 - 06/04/08 11:52 PM

i have used the 300wby on 14 differant species all dropped near where they had been impacted,including grizzly and black bears.would not count it out on the brownie either when i can get the money i will try it.

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THERE ARE NO DO OVERS IN LIFE DONT LET A CHANCE AT A DREAM SLIP AWAY.

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WyoJoe
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Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: bwananelson]
#101866 - 07/04/08 08:51 AM

You can get everything done quite adequately with a .30/06 but I picked the .375 H&H because I flat like that round. Second choice for me would be one of the .300 mags.

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There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor polite, nor popular -- but one must ask, "Is it right?"

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Luckydog
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Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: WyoJoe]
#101874 - 07/04/08 10:26 AM

I picked the 300 mag because of the range. I would prefer to hunt bears with my 375 or slug gun, but if I could only carry one gun it would be my 300 RUM. When I hunt elk, I use a long range gun in the morning and the evening. But when It's warm in the afternoon, I will use something like my slug gun or shorter range rifle with a lot of knock down power in the dark timber. I'm sure glad we are not tied down to just one BIG GAME CALIBER.

--------------------
Make Sure You Vote, And Make Sure Your Friends Vote!!

When they outlaw guns...I'll be an outlaw! Reese

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AzGuy
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Reged: 23/03/06
Posts: 388
Loc: Prescott, Arizona, USA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Luckydog]
#101876 - 07/04/08 11:08 AM

I picked the 404...... because I WANT one

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Hike the Grand Canyon, you will never be the same!

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Ripp
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Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Luckydog]
#101880 - 07/04/08 11:54 AM

Quote:

I picked the 300 mag because of the range. I would prefer to hunt bears with my 375 or slug gun, but if I could only carry one gun it would be my 300 RUM.

***FYI--I have a very good friend who has taken 2 brown bears with his 300 Ultra-mag shooting 200 gr bullets..one just a shade over 9ft..also read where Boddington tipped over a large male lion in Africa using a 300 as well...impressive caliber

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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bwananelson
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Reged: 08/10/07
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Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Ripp]
#101939 - 08/04/08 03:31 AM

MY MOUNTAIN GRIZZLY IN BC SQUARED 9 FEET AND FELL TO A 300 WEATHERBY WITH BARNES X BULLET.

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THERE ARE NO DO OVERS IN LIFE DONT LET A CHANCE AT A DREAM SLIP AWAY.

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allenday
.333 member

Reged: 18/04/04
Posts: 318

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: bwananelson]
#101991 - 08/04/08 11:09 PM

I selected the 338 Win. Mag., but I'd be just about as happy with the 300 Win. Mag., which I almost voted for. The emphasis of this thread seemed to be on the heaviest and most potentially dangerous NA big game animals, so the 338 got my vote -- at least this time around!

As far as the 338 Win. Mag. is concerned, though, with premium bullets from 160 grs. (Barnes TSX) to 275 grs. (Swift A-Frame) available, there is simply no hunting task on this continent that the 338 Win. Mag. can't do well, and it's just as capable and versatile for 99% of the rest of the world's big game hunting as well. It's a standard world cartridge that has been used on every NA big game species, all of Africa's Big Five, and just about all points in between.

I like the high SD of .338 bullets, I prefer the belted case, plus you can build a 338 Win. Mag. that's light to carry up the mountain, yet won't kick like five mules, plus it's totally sufficient for hammering big stuff up close, as well as deer-size stuff at long range.

I don't know of anything that's more practical and versatile.........

AD

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szihn
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Loc: Wind River Valley, Wyoming

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: allenday]
#101992 - 08/04/08 11:34 PM

AZ Guy
Did you get a .423" barrel yet?
If not, get in touch with me.

Steve

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Luckydog
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Reged: 27/02/08
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Loc: Huntin' In Colorado

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Ripp]
#102057 - 09/04/08 09:56 PM

Quote:

Quote:

I picked the 300 mag because of the range. I would prefer to hunt bears with my 375 or slug gun, but if I could only carry one gun it would be my 300 RUM.

***FYI--I have a very good friend who has taken 2 brown bears with his 300 Ultra-mag shooting 200 gr bullets..one just a shade over 9ft..also read where Boddington tipped over a large male lion in Africa using a 300 as well...impressive caliber

Ripp

No doubt, it's an impressive cartridge! I have taken sevral big game animals with it here in Colorado. The largest of which was probably 800 to 900 pound bull elk, at about 15 yards. The 300 RUM broke his neck and dropped him where he stood. But if I was hunting bear's, other than black bears, I'd probably want my 375 H&H, not that I think the 300 won't do it, I just think the 375 would do it better. And the 375 would definately be better if you experienced a charging bear!

--------------------
Make Sure You Vote, And Make Sure Your Friends Vote!!

When they outlaw guns...I'll be an outlaw! Reese

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Plains99
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Loc: Dodge City, Kansas, USA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Luckydog]
#102073 - 10/04/08 12:43 AM

It is interesting that the .375 H&H is doing so well. I picked the .375 Ruger which is basically the same thing. The thing is that you will very seldon run into the caliber in North America in spite of its capabilities. I've seen more .338's in the hands of elk hunters and guides with .300's and .30-06's very close behind.

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DarylS
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Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Plains99]
#102090 - 10/04/08 05:46 AM

We are talking about use for ourselves- no one else. I wanted a .375/06 IMP, so settled on the 9.3x62 as it's so close to my little .375. Good to 300 yards on all buy big bear - capable, but not advisable. 50 yards is a good range for those.
: .375 makes more sense than the larger calibres due to lower recoil, better trajectory and wide range of bullets available. The 232gr., 250gr. and 286gr. bullets for the 9.3's will cover everything, especially since I made a swage for reducing .375's to .367", so I also shoot 300's in mine.
; For a guide gun for North America, the 9.3 x57, 9.3x62 or .375 Ruger would be my choices. .375H&H is in the same ball park as the Ruger but is generally heavier. Light weight, sufficient power and low recoil puts the 9.3x57 with handloads at the top of that heap.

--------------------
Daryl

"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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CptCurl
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Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: DarylS]
#102335 - 12/04/08 11:33 PM

My choice would be .338 Win. Mag., except for the big bears - Brown and Polar.

These bears made me choose .375 H&H.

Curl

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YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

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buckeyeshooter
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Reged: 04/02/04
Posts: 54
Loc: ohio, USA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: CptCurl]
#102360 - 13/04/08 07:09 AM

I picked the .375 H + H, but agree a .338WM is a viable option.

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allenday
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Posts: 318

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: buckeyeshooter]
#103955 - 01/05/08 03:15 AM

The idea of carrying some big, heavy 375 H&H year-in and year-out as the one and only rifle for everything in NA from from Coues deer to Alaskan brown bear is absolutely irrational, especially since most of the hunting, by far, will be for stuff like deer and elk, with coastal brown bear being hunted perhaps once or twice in a lifetime - if that.

AD

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9.3x57
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Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: allenday]
#103961 - 01/05/08 04:40 AM

Quote:

The idea of carrying some big, heavy 375 H&H year-in and year-out as the one and only rifle for everything in NA from from Coues deer to Alaskan brown bear is absolutely irrational, especially since most of the hunting, by far, will be for stuff like deer and elk, with coastal brown bear being hunted perhaps once or twice in a lifetime - if that.

AD

Good observation. I didn't want to be first to say something like it...

I have no problem with anyone who wants to use a .375 as his only gun or picks it as the favorite here, and I used mine for years on most game I shot {as you say, deer and elk} with excellent results. But on deer and elk, a number of other calibers have suited me just fine, and since switching primarily to the 9.3x57 and 6.5x55 in the timbered and mountainous country where I live and hunt, I've not missed the ballistics of the .375 at all, and no deer or elk shot with either of those lighter calibers {or the others I've used} has taken any longer to die than the critters did that were shot with my .375...

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What are the Rosary, the Cross or the Crucifix other than tools to help maintain the fortress of our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

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AspenHill
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Posts: 1528
Loc: Vermont, USA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: 9.3x57]
#103965 - 01/05/08 10:00 AM

I don't know 'who' invented specific calibers or if my choice was developed here but....

For North America I would not hesitate to use my sporter 1909 Argentine Mauser in .30-06 for any species. Though it wasn't made here it seems like an American gun to me. It has killed stuff from whitetailed deer and George River caribou to eland. This is an easy shooting rifle and the versatility of bullet weights make it quite capable for anything on my continent. Even better is that I shoot it well! I have never had to shoot an animal twice with this rifle though I am always ready in case I have to.

The rifle belonged to my grandfather, who was an excellent hobby gunsmith and gun dealer before the ATF slammed honest people. Consider he was originally from downtown Detroit and was raised there in the Great Depression and before the riots. He came from a very wealthy family who lost a lot back then and he lost more when his family stripped him of his inheritance <<<greed>>>. He is one of the people who also influenced me, though it kicked in post mortem, to go hunting and not be afraid because I am female.

I still miss him, he was one of the most positive influences in my life. He passed away in May of 1995 just before his 81st birthday. I am sure if he was still here he would be very proud of me and we would have shared some great memories afield.

I wish I could have done more for him. I regret I did not have more time with him as an adult.

I've arranged for a cull shoot at a red stag preserve in Maine this fall and will use this rifle to fill my freezer.

--------------------
~Ann

Everyday spent outdoors is the best day of my life.

Aspen Hill Adventures

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JabaliHunter
.400 member

Reged: 16/05/07
Posts: 1958
Loc: England

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: AspenHill]
#104054 - 02/05/08 05:08 AM

Well no-one seems to want to go with the .303

so...
I still reckon the 8mm has got all the bases covered for the one rifle sport hunter. You can can take your pick of bullet weights and speeds (8x56R, 8x57, 8mm-06, 8-338, 8x68S, 8mm Remington, ...) and if you could cope with hunting with a cartridge younger than yourself how about the .325WSM ?

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phurley5
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Reged: 04/05/08
Posts: 1
Loc: Benton, Kentucky USA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALLIBER!! [Re: hoppdoc]
#104424 - 07/05/08 07:37 AM

hoppdoc ----- I voted for the .340 Wby from your choices. Two reasons, first I own and shoot one and have taken it to Alaska and many other places. Second, it is versital enough to use for everyday hunting in the States and still heavy enough for the Bigger Bears. I also shoot a .338 Lapua that has those same characteristics. ----- If I were picking myself and not from your choices I would pick the .358 STA. I own and shoot two STA's, both custom rifles that perform in all fields. You can load from 185 grain bullets up to 310 grainers. I use 250 amd 270 grain North Forks ( I managed to have several boxs on hand when Mike shut down) for Elk and African plains game. The 270 grain bullet at 2950 fps is trully formidable for any game. I also shoot a .416 Rem and Rigby, but both of these are considerably heavier and slower to handle in the field, as would be the .375's. My STA's are very quick to the shoulder and pack enough wallop for anything that walks in North America, and are still fast enough for flat shooting. It is still a wildcat, however there are several around and Winchester produced 58 from their Custom Shop several years ago and A-Square produced the cartridges. I was lucky enough to get one the the Winchesters, plus another Custom with a Lilja barrel on a Winchester action. Nosler publishes loads as well as A-Square in their manuals. This is my opinion, for what it is worth. Good shooting.

Edited by phurley5 (07/05/08 07:41 AM)

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ovny
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Posts: 591
Loc: Spain

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: JabaliHunter]
#107791 - 21/06/08 06:39 AM

For a country the United States think that a cartridge is very versatile caliber Winchester Magnum 338, perhaps to the long distances greater than 300 Win Mag him, but at distances of up to 250 meters (yards do not know how many are) is a big stick, more stopping power. I think it is not only suitable for hunting americas, but throughout the world, except the Big Five.

Oscar.

--------------------
I am Spanish

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Mulga
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Posts: 4
Loc: Australia

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: ovny]
#108118 - 25/06/08 01:48 PM

I think you guys are confusing "Calibre" and "Cartridge" two very different things!

30 caliber is king in North America period. The 30-06 Springfield has an unbroken record as the most popular big game cartridge in North America, over the last 100 or so years. Now the argument best is really irrelevant. If the 30-06 wasn't good at what it does then it wouldn't be a popular with hunters. The 300 Winny Magnum comes second and is pretty popular also.

Regards

Dan

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Jabs
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Loc: Rocky Mtns

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: JabaliHunter]
#112436 - 25/08/08 01:59 AM

I chose the 375HH. I agree with others that have posted that the 338WM would have been my choice except for the brown bear, polar bear and grizzly listed.

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MKresinske
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Reged: 23/02/08
Posts: 65
Loc: NY, USA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Jabs]
#112630 - 26/08/08 11:09 PM

Having owned and shot many of the mentioned "rounds" and loving every one of them, I have simplified my life to owning and shooting 1 rifle and round. I have a Browning A bolt SS Stalker in 375 H&H. In NA I like the 250gr or 270gr softpoint. I had it Magna ported and can say that the recoiled has been tamed to the level of a 30-06. Only negitive is the 26' barrel, but I have gotten use to it.
I think that whatever flavor you prefer, the one thing that all of us agree on is that you must be able to handle it and shoot accurately under all conditions!

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bigmaxx
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Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: MKresinske]
#112636 - 26/08/08 11:58 PM

I have to pick the .375 ruger too. Alot of versatility with big game capability. They are quite accurate with plenty of stopping power. The rifle is nice to carry too. Recoil is manageable as well.

--------------------
One day at a time...

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MKresinske
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Reged: 23/02/08
Posts: 65
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Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: bigmaxx]
#112637 - 27/08/08 12:26 AM

I have shot the Ruger 375 and like it equally as well as the H&H. The shorter action and barrel is a plus. I like the heritage and tapered case of the H&H. No particular reason other than I like what I like. Has anyone heard if they are going to license the 375 Ruger round to other rifle makers? I heard that you can rebarrel other short action rifles to 375 Ruger.

That's probably a whole "nother" thread eh !

Regards

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gmsemel
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Loc: East Haddam, CT

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: MKresinske]
#114686 - 18/09/08 02:29 AM

Well if you go off the beaten path, you will find 243, 270,308, 30-06, 7mm Remington Mag, 300 Winchester and 338 Winchester, along with 223's and 22RF. That is pretty much common in America. Now what is best, gee's it become another tastes great less filling debate. Common sense for most would be a 308 or 30-06 for reasons that most can shoot them well, 300 or 338 are about as good as it gets, but with them comes both recoil and weight, I like the 338 for most all of my big game hunting, Elk mostly, I when Black bear hunting once or twice and same for brown bear. As for polar, well I can't afford that. I have in the last few years gone back to the 7mm Remington Mag. I shot one back in the early 1970's. But when its all said and done, you would be hard pressed to do better with a .30-06. For most of what North America has to offer game wise, and this is from a fellow that shot a lot of game in NA with all kinds of rifles and cartridges, and I for some reason never warmed to a 30-06, when common sense tells me, its really the way to go.

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NitroX
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Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: AspenHill]
#114703 - 18/09/08 04:14 AM

Quote:

I don't know 'who' invented specific calibers or if my choice was developed here but....

For North America I would not hesitate to use my sporter 1909 Argentine Mauser in .30-06 for any species. Though it wasn't made here it seems like an American gun to me. It has killed stuff from whitetailed deer and George River caribou to eland. This is an easy shooting rifle and the versatility of bullet weights make it quite capable for anything on my continent. Even better is that I shoot it well! I have never had to shoot an animal twice with this rifle though I am always ready in case I have to.

The rifle belonged to my grandfather, who was an excellent hobby gunsmith and gun dealer before the ATF slammed honest people. Consider he was originally from downtown Detroit and was raised there in the Great Depression and before the riots. He came from a very wealthy family who lost a lot back then and he lost more when his family stripped him of his inheritance <<<greed>>>. He is one of the people who also influenced me, though it kicked in post mortem, to go hunting and not be afraid because I am female.

I still miss him, he was one of the most positive influences in my life. He passed away in May of 1995 just before his 81st birthday. I am sure if he was still here he would be very proud of me and we would have shared some great memories afield.

I wish I could have done more for him. I regret I did not have more time with him as an adult.

I've arranged for a cull shoot at a red stag preserve in Maine this fall and will use this rifle to fill my freezer.

Ann

sounds like a wonderful heirloom and choice.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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NitroX
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Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: NitroX]
#114704 - 18/09/08 04:16 AM

I picked the .338 from my North American experience ie nil!

Because it seems to me the best all round choice for big game in North America. A 9.3x62 or .375 would also fit the bill well.

Who was it that said the .333 OKH was the ideal?

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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Tatume
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Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: NitroX]
#114713 - 18/09/08 06:20 AM

I have to agree with Ann, and I'm putting my money where my mouth is. After having wonderful experience with numerous 30-06 rifles over many years of hunting, I have settled on an HS Precision rifle as my current favorite. Although I'll never let the HS Precision rifle go, I may have a new favorite when Melvin Forbes finishes the 30-06 rifle he's building for me. The combined price of these two rifles barely equals a modest double rifle, but it's a princely sum to me. I'm convinced, the 30-06 is the best big game caliber ever designed, for all game except the thick-skinned giants of Africa.

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bigmaxx
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Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Tatume]
#114728 - 18/09/08 10:12 AM

I chose the .375 ruger, but I must confess that I spend a whole lot of time looking through the scope on a .30-06 in the woods. I like my .375 ruger very well but the old ought six has filled the freezer many times over. New toys aside, the old .30-06 is still a high choice on any list.

--------------------
One day at a time...

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Ripp
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Posts: 16072
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Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Tatume]
#114738 - 18/09/08 12:48 PM

Quote:

I have to agree with Ann, and I'm putting my money where my mouth is. After having wonderful experience with numerous 30-06 rifles over many years of hunting, I have settled on an HS Precision rifle as my current favorite. Although I'll never let the HS Precision rifle go, I may have a new favorite when Melvin Forbes finishes the 30-06 rifle he's building for me. The combined price of these two rifles barely equals a modest double rifle, but it's a princely sum to me. I'm convinced, the 30-06 is the best big game caliber ever designed, for all game except the thick-skinned giants of Africa.

Agree somewhat to the 30-06..however, had to comment on your choice of the HS Precision..have one in 300 Ultra-mag and that traveled to Africa with me on 4 hunts...beyond a shadow of a doubt, the most accurate gun I own..seems as though it really doesn't matter if I shoot 180 or 200 gr bullet A-Frames...or Scirrocos or Barnes Triple X's---they all shoot very very well..

Have really thought about getting a Forbes rifle--if you don't mind I would really like to see pics and hear your thoughts once you receive it..

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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Tatume
.400 member

Reged: 09/06/07
Posts: 1091
Loc: Gloucester, Va USA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Ripp]
#114772 - 18/09/08 11:34 PM

Hi Ripp,

I'll be glad to share information and photos of the NULA. It is to be a Christmas present from my wife (every year we joke about my "Christmas rifle"), so it will be awhile before I see it. I'll mount a Leupold 1.5-5x Vari-X III that I have on hand, in NULA low ring/bases.

Sometime ago I mentioned possibly getting a Cooper, if I was able. I feel like explaining that one now. It turns out that Cooper is a "dealer direct" company. I understand the business model, and it is a good one. By eliminating the distributor the company can market a quality product at a lower price. In order to succeed, they must protect their dealers, by capping the number of dealers in a particular area (Cooper uses a 100-mile radius). The conflict comes when a consumer feels a loyalty to a particular dealer. In my case, I live in a small community, with only one gun shop. My position is, if we don't support him, he will go out of business. So, I decided not to get the Cooper. I hold no ill will towards Cooper, but I want to protect my local dealer, because we need him.

Take care, Tom

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Ripp
.577 member

Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Tatume]
#114859 - 19/09/08 08:59 PM

Tom,

Funny you mentioned the business model of Cooper..I too have a friend who has been a gun dealer in a small community north of here..same thing..he has sold Weatherby's for 30 plus years in addition to whatever else his clients have wanted to order. When he approached Cooper they would not allow it was he was less than 100 miles from Great Falls..actually 93 I believe..

Coopers are a very good shooting rifles as well..have several and all shoot very small groups with my .220 Swift and 6/284 probably shooting the best of the lot...actually purchased one of their model 52's about a month ago in 30-06...have not even shot it yet--will probably save that for a mid-winter project as the hunting seasons are upon us here..

Can't wait to see you new rifle however--have never heard anything but good about them..

Thank you

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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poprivit
.333 member

Reged: 09/04/07
Posts: 397
Loc: Las Vegas, NV

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Ripp]
#114914 - 20/09/08 07:45 AM

I'm the 1% who went with the .458 Lott. Why? I've got one in the safe. Everything I've shot with it went down within five yards. And some of them were over 1,000 lb - way over!

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tinker
.416 member

Reged: 12/03/05
Posts: 4835
Loc: Nevada

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALLIBER!! [Re: hoppdoc]
#114945 - 20/09/08 03:10 PM

From the list of cartridges above, considering everything on the list of big game here in N.America, I like the .458 Winchester.
In my particular rifle it's MOA accurate with mild shooting light bullets, hot 510gr loads, and everything in between.
I shoot it well and don't find the recoil harsh at all.
The bullets start big and stay that way though the animal.

I don't know that it's the *best*, but I definitely won't ever worry about not bringing enough gun.

I have my father's 30-30. It's older than he'd be today, and it's seen a lot of success in the field. There are numerous antler 'petroglyph' marks on the forend indicating game it's taken over the years. With 170gr loads it's ridiculously accurate, easy to carry, points well...
It did well for him, and for others before him. I'm sure it'll do well for my children after I'm gone too.

In the meantime I'm enjoying the .458

--Tinker

--------------------
--Self-Appointed Colonel, DRSS--

"It IS a dangerous game, and so named for a reason, and you can't play from the keyboard. " --Some Old Texan...

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ovny
.375 member

Reged: 19/06/08
Posts: 591
Loc: Spain

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: JabaliHunter]
#134273 - 03/05/09 04:12 AM

The 338 Winchester Magnum caliber is enought for all animals of America.

Oscar.

--------------------
I am Spanish

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500grains
.416 member

Reged: 16/02/04
Posts: 4732
Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah USA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: ovny]
#134276 - 03/05/09 05:00 AM

9.3 x 62 of course.

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grandveneur
.400 member

Reged: 21/09/08
Posts: 1298
Loc: France / Germany

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: ovny]
#134318 - 03/05/09 06:42 PM

right! We have to shot the sheep's in the mountain's and the .338 caliber's are good allround cartridge's for medium to heavy game, and long range shooting! I prefere the 340WM, a little bit more power that the 338 Winch.mag.! The 338 Lapua is a very good cartridge but not in a hunting rifle! Too heavy for hunting in the high mountain's!

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grandveneur
.400 member

Reged: 21/09/08
Posts: 1298
Loc: France / Germany

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: 500grains]
#134325 - 03/05/09 09:28 PM

9,3 are very good allround cartridge's, but the 9,3x62 has a poor ballistic at long range. Better a 9,3x64 or the very rare old 9,3x70 !

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Yochanan
.375 member

Reged: 26/01/03
Posts: 912
Loc: Volksdiktatur Schweden

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: grandveneur]
#134329 - 03/05/09 10:21 PM

7mm mag or 375H&H

Not sure how to define "best", whatever that is, but those are the cartridges I would consider.

/Johan

--------------------
© "I have never been able to appreciate 'shock' as applied to killing big game. It seems to me that you cannot kill an elephant weighing six tons by ´shock´unless you advocate the use of a field gun." - W.D.M. Bell: Wanderings of an Elephant Hunter.

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grandveneur
.400 member

Reged: 21/09/08
Posts: 1298
Loc: France / Germany

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Yochanan]
#134333 - 03/05/09 11:25 PM

Impossible to compare! 2 different cartridge's for special purpose!

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Yochanan
.375 member

Reged: 26/01/03
Posts: 912
Loc: Volksdiktatur Schweden

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: grandveneur]
#134360 - 04/05/09 02:58 AM

Grandvenur,
I decided what I consider as "best" - everyone is entitled to their opinion without approval of others.

Even those who don’t have the same opinion as you do very well in the field. Rudolf Sand used what you would consider a "peashooter" to collect 281 species of game. Other hunters have used 7x57 for elephant, 3006 or 5,6X52R for tiger and gaur, 458win for groundhogs, 6,5X55 for wild boar, 8x57IS for ibex or 243 win for leopard – each to his own.

/Johan

--------------------
© "I have never been able to appreciate 'shock' as applied to killing big game. It seems to me that you cannot kill an elephant weighing six tons by ´shock´unless you advocate the use of a field gun." - W.D.M. Bell: Wanderings of an Elephant Hunter.

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DuggaBoy
.300 member

Reged: 03/03/09
Posts: 106
Loc: Tx

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: JabaliHunter]
#134466 - 05/05/09 01:49 AM

Simple:
The American Round for American Game .405 Winchester.
Lever action fast and now with modern powder and bullets even a better penetrator than it was at birth with 3 to 4000 ft/lbs , load dependent.
( Or the .411 Hawk for the garage gunsmith on a '06 chassis)

My Big Bears Only Choice--.50 Alaskan

--------------------
DuggaBoy
NRA-Life
Whittington-Life
TSRA-Life
DSC

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bonanza
.400 member

Reged: 17/05/04
Posts: 2335
Loc: South Carolina

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: DuggaBoy]
#134506 - 05/05/09 08:24 AM

By saying BIG GAME, that drives the result heavily towards the .338 or .375

Now for all **NA** game, one needs only two rifles: 6.5mm (your choice) and .375 H&H.

The 6.5mm can take anything from varmints (100 Hornady) to Elk (160 Woodleigh), the .375 speaks for itself.

NOTE:

This year I'm going to developed a true reduced .375 H&H load. I want something that approximates a 30-06 for deer hunting. Stay tuned.

--------------------

"Speak Precisely" G. Gordon Liddy.

"Life is absurd, chaotic and we must define its purpose with our actions" Abert Camus

"I''m the dude playing a dude disguised as another dude."

"Yo! Mr. White"

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Plains99
.300 member

Reged: 10/11/04
Posts: 225
Loc: Dodge City, Kansas, USA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: MKresinske]
#136586 - 02/06/09 11:57 PM

Howa is marketing a rifle in .375 Ruger now.

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JAWZ
.224 member

Reged: 12/05/09
Posts: 21
Loc: NSW , Sydney , Australia

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Plains99]
#136611 - 03/06/09 08:29 AM

338 Win mag its just a reliabe killer, it will smash a massive bruin or the biggest elk.

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bwananelson
.400 member

Reged: 08/10/07
Posts: 1195
Loc: DELTONA FLORIDA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: JAWZ]
#136751 - 05/06/09 10:04 AM

my 300 wby has dropped 1/2 of all american big game coupled with a barnes 180 none have gone more than 20 yards that included the 9'mountain grizzly.shock kills not just the size of the hole you also need speed.i like any 30 caliber they will work have worked and will keep on working

--------------------
THERE ARE NO DO OVERS IN LIFE DONT LET A CHANCE AT A DREAM SLIP AWAY.

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9.3x57
.450 member

Reged: 22/04/07
Posts: 5504
Loc: United States

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: bonanza]
#136761 - 05/06/09 01:20 PM

Quote:

This year I'm going to developed a true reduced .375 H&H load. I want something that approximates a 30-06 for deer hunting. Stay tuned.

Gotta dandy;

220 Hornady FP at 2400 fps.

For a flatter shooting variety, the 225 Horny Spire Point.

Accurate 5744 powder for a .30-06 duplicate and very light recoil.

BTW: Agree 100% on the 6.5 component to the equation, too!

--------------------
What are the Rosary, the Cross or the Crucifix other than tools to help maintain the fortress of our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

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JabaliHunter
.400 member

Reged: 16/05/07
Posts: 1958
Loc: England

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: bonanza]
#136776 - 05/06/09 07:01 PM

Quote:

Now for all **NA** game, one needs only two rifles: 6.5mm (your choice) and .375 H&H.

You said it!

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kamilaroi
.400 member

Reged: 18/12/04
Posts: 1803
Loc: sydney, new south wales, Austr...

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: JabaliHunter]
#136781 - 05/06/09 10:00 PM

Maybe 270 (110 to 160 pills)and 404 Jeff(with 300 to 400 grain pills)

If only a single cal then 404 Jeff.

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grandveneur
.400 member

Reged: 21/09/08
Posts: 1298
Loc: France / Germany

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: kamilaroi]
#136793 - 06/06/09 03:46 AM

If only a single cal then 404 Jeff. [/quote

A good choice! But the 404 Jeffery is not a American caliber!

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kamilaroi
.400 member

Reged: 18/12/04
Posts: 1803
Loc: sydney, new south wales, Austr...

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: grandveneur]
#136823 - 06/06/09 11:19 AM

I took it to mean for American game not the obverse.

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DarylS
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Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: kamilaroi]
#136834 - 06/06/09 01:46 PM

Due to the capitols used in the title, it means calibre for for NA game.

Hard to beat any of the 9.3's or a little .375. I could easily hunt all BIG game in NA with these, but demand a second rifle in .17AckHornet for rodent practise.

--------------------
Daryl

"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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grandveneur
.400 member

Reged: 21/09/08
Posts: 1298
Loc: France / Germany

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: DarylS]
#136840 - 06/06/09 04:03 PM

but demand a second rifle in .17AckHornet for rodent practise.

If you select a good shooting angle, you can use your 404 Jeffery!

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Birdhunter50
.375 member

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Posts: 815
Loc: Iowa,U.S.A.

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: grandveneur]
#136849 - 06/06/09 10:30 PM

I chose the .300 Win. Mag., but could just as easily have picked the 30-06. I shoot the 06 more than any other caliber except the 45-70, which is too slow for long range hunting of all American big game.

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gallatin
.224 member

Reged: 30/05/07
Posts: 44
Loc: Olympia,Wa. USA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: Birdhunter50]
#138760 - 10/07/09 01:57 PM

I use a 1895 cowboy in 45-70 handloaded to aprox 450 marlin for everything, despite it's 26" barrel it handels now as well as a 30-30 which i have 2 ,have a browning lever in 243, 300 mag and 22lr and I like them all. But when I head out it's always the one that gets put in the jeep. Excepting it's limitations, which now is out to 200yds has made me a better hunter, which mades it more fun still.

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88MauSporter
.375 member

Reged: 06/06/07
Posts: 530
Loc: Alaska / Texas

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: JabaliHunter]
#138789 - 11/07/09 02:32 AM

For the one rifle and ALL NA game, for practicle sense, I picked the .375 H+H. It is more than adequate for any NA game when you include the big bears and BIG moose like in Canada. The trajectory is impressive compared to most any other selection. Bullet choice in good in factory loads and the most important is the ability to find the ammo most anywhere you can buy ammo. Otherwise, I would be in the range of the 9.3x62. Usually lighter rifles, but with plenty of power and penetration for any NA game with the right bullet. If you exclude Big brown bears and Polar bear (though many have been taken with less powerful cartridges), then I would be in agreement with Daryl and 9.3 with the 9.3x62, 9.3x57 and the I would include the 8x57 in proper loadings. The issues are of finding and buying a particular caliber cartridge when I can't bring my own is a concern for me.
Having said that, I would love the challenge of using my original .45-70 Rem. Rolling Block to do the same. i just received a new batch of .460 dia 500 grain RN cast bullets that I will load and test in the .45-70 and the .577/.450.

--------------------
"A hunter should not use a rifle that will kill an animal when everthing goes right; you should use one that will do the job when everything goes wrong." 88MauSporter

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Dark_Helmet
.333 member

Reged: 09/01/04
Posts: 399
Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: JabaliHunter]
#139376 - 23/07/09 06:15 AM

if you take brown bear off the list... 30-06 hands down... so versatile...

gotta have the 375 for the big bears though.

--------------------
_________________________________________________________________
When someone says a rifle is "ugly," what they really mean is "push feed."

-me

(long live the Mauser 98!)

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cooch
.300 member

Reged: 21/09/03
Posts: 192
Loc: Southern NSW

Re: Best American BIG GAME CALIBER!! [Re: DuggaBoy]
#139415 - 23/07/09 10:39 PM

North American Experience = Nil.

However I'm going with the .375H&H.

I don't care what's popular, on the basis that more people bought VW Beetles than either Rolls Royce or Ferrari. Doesn't mean that Beetles are a better car, just a more economical one.

The .375 is big enough to be a good choice on any of the bigger critters, even under less-than-ideal circumstances, while not being too big for any of the medium game. Nor is it too heavy to carry to too hard in the recoil for any healthy adult who is prepared to keep themselves fit and learn to shoot it well.

Plus, I like it.

Peter

--------------------
"The only logical response to an animal that lives obsessed with avoiding capture is to chase it." - Jose Ortega y Gassett

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