We can't do it in Canada, so, I'm considering the 'Dream' of a handgun hunt for Moose in Alaska. I have made some preliminary guide inquiries but was wondering, anyone already done it & want to share the details? For firepower I'm planning on using my 500 S&W, The'Hummer', with handloads.

Very doable. If you or your guides are good at calling and is in a good area, don't see why not. Plenty of guys up here take them with bow and arrows. Good luck. I want to see some pics later.

I haven't done my moose hunt yet either, but plan on 2007 Fall. I will be taking a custom Bowen Arms five-shot .500 Linebaugh Redhawk. I talked to my guide and he said physical fitness was the key, lots of miles on foot in addition to lots of glassing of course. He stated late in the rut, when I'm hunting, will be the best time as the bulls will be more reluctant to move since they are recovering from all the activity just preceeding the hunt, in November. My load will be a 435 grain cast gas check or heavier load, but most of my practice will probably be with 30.0 grains of Lil'Gun and 410 grain cast bullets. I am going generally crazy and having it lightly engraved and a set of custom micarda stocks made, just for looks. I bought the Redhawk as a 5 1/2" .44 Magnum stainless, perfect for the expected weather in Alaska, too wet and too cold usually. The 500 S&W sounds like a real killer at both end with a 440 grain at 1625 fps, according to Buffalo Bore's loads.

376styre
Thanks for the info.I'm not familiar with the 500 Linebaugh but yours sounds interesting. I'll have to do some searching on the calibre. You're right, the 500 S&W with the heavier bullet loads has the ability to 'hurt at both ends'. Even with the factory supplied Hogue rubber grips, it is painfull in the area of the grip hump. I modified a set of Herrett's Jordan Trooper stocks I had for the N frame Smith and that made it bearable. Still a handful but bearable. I have just picked up some Hornady 500gr JFP to try out. I contacted Hornady and they supplied me with some load data. Another I'd like to try is the Sierra 400gr. FPJ. As of yet, if/when the Alaska Moose trip materializes, I haven't decided which bullet to use. I see your plan is to go the fall of 2007. In all likelihood, for me it will probably be 2008. Good luck & keep me posted.

I shot a 52 incher with my 454 Casull about 8 years ago. Called it in to 10 yards away and nailed it in the head first two shots and then hit it again as it ran away. Damn thing didnt realize it was dead. Third shot was about 25 yards away and went in behind the ribs, traveled through one or both lungs (not sure) and I found the bullet lodged under the skin of the neck. Total penetration was about 40 inches. Had to shoot it in the head again to finish it off. Bullet used was a custom Barnes Solid that weighed 265 grains.

quote:

Originally posted by Snowwolfe:
I shot a 52 incher with my 454 Casull about 8 years ago. Called it in to 10 yards away and nailed it in the head first two shots and then hit it again as it ran away. Damn thing didnt realize it was dead. Third shot was about 25 yards away and went in behind the ribs, traveled through one or both lungs (not sure) and I found the bullet lodged under the skin of the neck. Total penetration was about 40 inches. Had to shoot it in the head again to finish it off. Bullet used was a custom Barnes Solid that weighed 265 grains.

Snowwolfe. Thanks for the info on your Moose with a handgun. I envy you. I'm still in the process of inquiring through a few guides on hunt info & details in trying to decide where to go in Alaska. Any suggestions? The trip will probably take place 2008. In the meantime, I'll keep testing loads with the 500 S&W. Thanks again.

Drop AR forum member 458Win a PM. He is a guide up here and has a great reputation.

Thanks for the suggestion. I did contact 458win & he's booked up for Moose 'till 2009. That may be a viable time for me. I may contact him again. I have been primarily going through Jack Atchenson & Son's so far. There are a couple of guide names I have, Henry Tiffany, Jim Kedrowski, and John Peterson. Know anything of either of them?

For my hunting handgun a FA 454 with a T'SOB mount with 2X Burris Posi-lok scope.

I use 300 grain Sierra FN and W296 powder

For my packing guns a SW 629 5" Vcomp Performance Shop 44 Mag and a Glock 20 in 10mm.

I use the Sierra 250 FPJ in the 44 Mag and a handload the 10mm with 190 Sierra FPJ w/800X.

Johnn

I have a friend that always takes 2-3 guys along with him each year to offset his moose hunt costs. I believe he has killed his bull on the Yukon in all but one year in the past twenty. If you are interested in hunting in the most dense moose poulation in ALaska and not having to pay a guide fee. Everyone chips in for some awesome birdhunting and fishing as well as the moose, bear and wolf.

quote:

Originally posted by ncooper:
Johnn

I have a friend that always takes 2-3 guys along with him each year to offset his moose hunt costs. I believe he has killed his bull on the Yukon in all but one year in the past twenty. If you are interested in hunting in the most dense moose poulation in ALaska and not having to pay a guide fee. Everyone chips in for some awesome birdhunting and fishing as well as the moose, bear and wolf.

Good deal. I'm looking for all the info and possibilities I can get. How do I contact him for further info?

My friend Mike carries a Freedom Arms .454 Casull on the handlebars of his 4-wheeler, or on the dash of his track rig. He usually shoots a Moose with it every year, either on his way into Moose camp or on his way out with meat. Mike makes lung shots usually from 25 to 40 yards. Never had one go more than a few steps.

Have both a 45Colt and a FA 454 and use 325 and 360 grain hardcast respectively. The Bisley grip is a real hand breaker. The 454 has a set of Pachmayr grips. No problems with pain at the heaviest loads. With the S&W even with the Hogue grips is painful no matter the load in a 44 and up. Try some Pachmayrs and see if you notice quite a different in felt recoil.

You're right. The 500 S&W, with heavy loads has the ability to 'inflict pain' @ both ends. As I mentioned earlier on, I modified a set of Herrett's Jordan Trooper stocks I had for an N frame Smith. That made the recoil bearable, by spreading the pain over a bigger area.

quote:

Originally posted by 7mm Exp:
Have both a 45Colt and a FA 454 and use 325 and 360 grain hardcast respectively. The Bisley grip is a real hand breaker. The 454 has a set of Pachmayr grips. No problems with pain at the heaviest loads. With the S&W even with the Hogue grips is painful no matter the load in a 44 and up. Try some Pachmayrs and see if you notice quite a different in felt recoil.

I have been privileged to shoot eight Alaskan bull moose with revolvers. Four with the 41 Rem mag loaded with 220 gr. Speer Softpoint bullets, two with the 44Rem mag with 240 gr. Speer SP., and two with the 454 Casull with 260 gr. lead gaschecked bullets. All moose were killed regardless of the caliber. All received at least 2 hits or more as moose tend to shudder and remain on their feet with a broadside chest shot to the lung/heart area. The handgun is relatively weak when compared to a high-powered rifle so I always shoot until I the bull hits the ground. Besides, I like to shoot. The caliber did not seem to make a difference as to its effectiveness. therefore the lighter recoiling 41 mag has become the caliber that I favor. The initial shot has ranged from 15 yards to about 85 yards. Two moose were taken with scoped handguns, the others open sights. All but two were called in. The others were stalked to within shooting range.

My advice is to be patient until the animal is within range (most moose seem to be less wary and easier to fool than many hoofed animals) and to shoot until the animal is down. Know their habits and how to call them or go with someone that does. The time of year makes a difference on how well the bulls respond to calling.

Have fun on your hunt.

Cant say enough about the 454.

I'm pretty sure that non-resident aliens, ie folks from foreign countries have to use a guide for all big game species in Alaska. US citizens that aren't residents of Alaska need a guide only for brown/grizzly, sheep and I believe goats.

So the mention of the guy that takes buddies to offset costs would not be an option.

I'd consider 454, 480 and on up as suitable for moose.

According to game regulations and Fish and Game
all non-resident aliens must be accompanied by a registered guide while in the field for all game species. Yes non-residents from the U.S.
must have a guide for Brown/Grizz-sheep and goat.