quote:

Originally posted by Savage99:

quote:

Hey Savage99, Where's the middle of six?

"It's the one in the center of the picture."

There is NO "one in the center of the picture". There are TWO! Is it the left center or the right
center?

I'm having one built now for a planned move to AK. It's a Match Grade Arms Ultra Light in .338 Win mag. The bare rifle should weigh 5 3/4 lbs. It will have a muzzle brake, barrel band front sight and Brockman pop-up peep in a Talley base, with Talley QD rings. Not sure which scope it will wear yet, probably a Leupold 2-7. I anticipate using 275 gr Swift A-Frames for bear loads.

quote:

Originally posted by cobrad:
I'm having one built now for a planned move to AK. It's a Match Grade Arms Ultra Light in .338 Win mag. The bare rifle should weigh 5 3/4 lbs. It will have a muzzle brake, barrel band front sight and Brockman pop-up peep in a Talley base, with Talley QD rings. Not sure which scope it will wear yet, probably a Leupold 2-7. I anticipate using 275 gr Swift A-Frames for bear loads.

Excellent caliber for Alaska. Keep in mind that stainless and synthetic are favorites with Alaska hunters. Even in the interior it sometimes (not always) rains quite a lot during moose season in September. Other years it's nice and clear, around 30 degrees during the night and perhaps 70 during the day. However, some years while moose hunting, we have had snow falls by the second week of September. This happens in the higher elevations near Fairbanks. The temperature changes, rain, snow, etc. creates lots of condensation on the rifle.

I do load a few 275 A-Frame rounds, but 250-grain A-Frame bullets are plenty for bears. The 275 grainers will probably provide more penetration, which is a plus.

On my 3rd hunt in Alaska it rained everyday, out of an 11 day hunt. Real rain. We lived in our Helly Hanson rain gear every day. That kind of weather will ruin a wood stock in short order.

That's also why I won't use anything but Leupold or better for a scope.

Nome is considered bush-Alaska, no roads in or out, and then we drive 80 miles away from there, drop off the 4-wheelers, or ride the snowmobiles down the Iditarod trail, and then go another 25 or 30 miles north into the Seward Peninsula.

That's no place to find out your gear isn't any good. Neither is a hunt in the Yukon.

CZ550 in 9.3X62 topped with a VXIII 2.5-8X36 or Winchester Model 70 in .338 Win Mag topped with Monarch 3-9X40.

quote:

Originally posted by JBabcock:
On my 3rd hunt in Alaska it rained everyday, out of an 11 day hunt. Real rain. We lived in our Helly Hanson rain gear every day. That kind of weather will ruin a wood stock in short order.

That's also why I won't use anything but Leupold or better for a scope.

Nome is considered bush-Alaska, no roads in or out, and then we drive 80 miles away from there, drop off the 4-wheelers, or ride the snowmobiles down the Iditarod trail, and then go another 25 or 30 miles north into the Seward Peninsula.

That's no place to find out your gear isn't any good. Neither is a hunt in the Yukon.

i have been using a Ruger stainless/synthetic .338WM for years now. The scope on it, which has never failed me, is a Leupold Vary-X III 2.5-8x.

Well for myself I would probably pick something like this.

Stainless M70 CRF, accurized with a decent barrel, chambered for one of the many 30 caliber mags (308 Norma, 300H&H and 300 winmag come to mind) or perhaps a 338 win mag. With a good after market sythetic stock.. McMillian

Glass would be a leupold 3-9x40 or something in that range.

I have no desire to hunt grizzly bears which makes me lean towards the 30 calibers instead of a 338 but then I have yet to see a Northern moose, the sight of which may make me desire a 338 mag in my hand.

My personnal preference of game hunting is for Deer, Sheep, Elk, Caribou, Goats... Bears and Moose don't appeal to me much.

Unfortunaely this rifle is just a dream for me right now. I have no where near the funds to build such a rifle. In the mean time I will use my 270 win and my 300 RUM, but someday I hope to have what I consider "My ideal rifle for here"

Well, since I initiated this topic, I should post what I prefer. My choice is based on being ready to deal with the increasing possiblity of a fatal encounter with one of B.C.'s growing population of Grizzlies, so, smallbore rifles really don't meet my needs. I usually hunt alone, with a packboard, survival gear and rifle and backpack my meat out to the truck, horse or river boat. So, a one shot, he drops cartridge is, IMHO, my best choice, although a guided non-resident may not have quite the same requirements.

I think that for serious, push it to the limits, B.C. hunting, there are three rounds that are "best". These are the 9.3x64 Brenneke with 286 NPs at 2600, the .358 Norma with 250-280 gr. premium bullets and the .338 Win. Mag. with 250 premiums. I use the .338, with 250 NPs and find that this works for me and has for 37 years with zero problems and no lost game.

If, I were a person with recoil issues, I would use the '06 with 180 premiums and would be confident in Grizzly country with this combo. My sentimental favourite is my 9.3x74R, again with 286 NPs.

I have yet to meet a serious B.C. hunter who actually tried a .338-250 combo. that did not like it and find it very effective in our conditions. I cannot really tell the difference in recoil between the .300 Win. and the .338 Win., to me the .300 Roy kicks harder than a .338, so, I stick with the Win. Mag, a bigger bullet makes me feel better when packing meat and that is important, whether it is actually "better" or not.

Kutenay, the 9.3x62 doesn't pack quite the punch of those you prefer, but what do you think about it?

One of the reasons I switched to the 338 from the 300 Weatherby was recoil. I think the 300 Weatherby recoils harder than the 338 to, though with fullhouse 250's, the 338 will push you around as well.

I shot alot of game with my 300, and always was happy with it, but since I've switch to the 338, there does seem to be a better "bang, flop" factor.

That may be attributed to shot placement though. I do love the 338 Win Mag as a large game cartridge, and will probably finish my hunting with it.

For smaller game I use a 270, but that's a bit light for the hunt you described in my opinion, unless it was just for sheep and goats.

Kutenay, I just picked up a Ruger stainless 350 RM (22" bbl). It's at Gentry's getting a bead blast right now. It holds three down (and feeds better than any belted mag I've ever owned) and with a sling, 2x7 Leupold in low Ruger mounts goes 8 lbs 4 oz's. I plan to restock in fiberglass for an "all-up" weight of 7.75 lbs. I'm able to get 2,620 with 250 Speers and RL15 with zero excessive pressure signs (cases fall out of the chamber!)... that's right on the heels of the 338 WM. In fact, only half of the 338 WM's I've played with over the years would break 2,700 fps with 250's, but I do prefer 22" bl's on them!

I have never hunted Canada,but this is the set up i plan to use when i do Tikka Lite Stainless 338WIN MAG 3-9 Swarovski 225gr Nosler partition

I've never hunted Canada either but will possibly one day.

I would take my pre 64 Win. in .338 loaded with 210gr. noslers (my rifle shoots the 210's the best). 2.5X8 Leupold

22WRF, not trying to step on Allen's toes here, but D'Arcy's new "lightweight" stocks are simply an application of McMillan's "hunters edge" technology to his existing stock pattern. These stocks are constructed of a graphite instead of the standard fiberglass offering McMillan is known for.

D'Arcy says they shave about 14oz's and on a 300 win mag he installed on of them on, for testing in the Hunting fields personally, it didn't affect the balance of the rifle. He also said that he wouldn't offer them on one of his "Legends" until he'd put it through the paces himself.

Chuck

If I could shoot a .338, that would probably be the one. Sadly, my own limitation probably lies somewhere around the .300 Win Mag, but that is a pretty capable all-around cartridge anyway. If the trip was for light skinned game only, a .270 Win would be great choice. A .30-06 with premium 180-200 grs bullets is never wrong.

In contrast to some of our esteemed members, I don't subscribe to the idea that a rifle has to be expensive to fulfill a demanding task. Since weather is likely to be inclement on a trip like this, a good rust protection (e.g. stainless) is of advantage. As horses are likely to figure, a synthetic stock, small scope and super reliable mounts would be an advantage. A backup scope ready to mount is a definite advantage. If, on top of this, your rifle is decently accurate and above all reliable, it matters little whether it is a $250 rig from the nearest pawn shop or a 20000$ David Miller creation. Take what you have shot a lot, and what you have confidence in. Don't bring along anything you'd hate to see banged up, because surely that will happen with horses around! And don't bring along the latest wizz-bang caliber you are afraid to shoot, because it recoils a bunch more than your old .30-06.

- mike

Concerning the 9.3x62, I consider this round, the .350 Rem. Mag., the .338-06 and the Whelen to be the "second tier" of suitable cartridges for the hunting here in B.C. The flatter trajectory, etc. of those I first mentioned makes them slightly better, IMO. I will say that I stripped a minty ZG-47 lightweight to get the action for a 9.3x62, which is the best available bolt action round for a serious working rifle, solo, in Grizzly country, lots of smack with 286 NPs and five shots on tap for "family encounters."

I really doubt that any $250.00 pawnshop rifle will make the grade here, I wouldn't pay the tariff for a David Miller rifle, it takes about $4000.00 CDN to put together a really practical rifle for B.C. hunting....and a "Legend" by D'Arcy Echols is one rifle that I think is well worth the cost, especially if you have 30 years of hunting left. If, I were younger, I would sell off most of the very nice rifles I now have and buy two "Legends" in .338 Win. or maybe a .338 and a .416 Rem. Quality is really important in B.C. hunting conditions and depending on the guide to have a good rifle to stop a Grizzly or to lend you ain't wise....guides usually have crappy binos, spotters and rifles, but, often waste money on booze and $60,000 4x4 pickups with garish accoutrements.

The number of .338s, especially "old" Mod. 70s in this thread gladdens my heart!

Forget the pawn shop issue, that was primarily used to illustrate my point - that you don't strictly need a "name" brand to have a rifle that will reliably do the job for you. Power to you guys, who find joy in having rifles built by expert craftsmen. I have nothing to fault in your choice - execpt, perhaps, the occasional tendency to brag about your brand name products. I can certainly see the workmanship and quality that goes into these rifles.

In the field, most of us will be well served with a tried and true "Ole Betsy", that we have shot a lot, and have come to trust. No amount of perfect gunsmithing will take the place of familiarity bred through long useage. Mind you, all this naturally presupposes reliable functioning, but that is not unheard of even in less expensive rifles.

You can put together a rifle perfectly suitable for wilderness hunting for surprisingly little money, if you know how to go about it. Witness the rifles bought in these threads:

pawn shop rifle

or

Scroll up a bit on this one - to TC1's reply with picture of rifle

I know these rifles were both in .270 Win, but I'm sure the same could be had in a .30-06 or a .300 Win Mag etc, with a bit of luck.

All this not to pour scorn on anybody's choice of brand name rifles, I'm sure they are works of art that speak to the owner's heart. But necessary for wilderness hunting? Probably not.
- mike

.333 Jeffery Flanged double, Leupold 2.5-8 with German claw mounts.



Husky

Kutenay,

I been a couple of years since I drifted North of the border but one thing I distinctly remember is that it is very big and varied country in BC and the Yukon. Field conditions and game vary quite a bit also, but two things any hunter should count on is cold and lousy weather. Then comes variables such as coastal vrs barren land conditions.

My point here caliber/cartridge aside is the rifle and gear should be suitable for the country. Scopes need to be quality to not fog, scope rings need to be rugged. Rifles like mausers and older model 70's that don't have the quickest lock time, but have a heavy firing pin strike would be my preference. Getting your rifle ready for bad weather hunts can save a lot of grief in the field, little things like getting all the lubricants that freeze out of the rifle ( anyone seen a trigger assy freeze up?).

Whether the rifle is custom job, or a factory rifle matters only in the is the rifle ready to hunt. Not all custom rifles are ready to hunt, and certainly no factory rifle is ready to go.

Presuming I had a stock NIB Model 70, some lapping compound, and stones to clean it up would be one of my first steps, next I would soak the action, bolt, and trigger in Kerosene until it was sweaky clean. When it was all dry I would molycoat lube the workings of the bolt and trigger. Next would be bench and range time to work up suitable ammo, and test firing of some factory ammo. After months of tweaking and fiddling and test firings I would figure it ready. I have learned over the years that my friend Mr Murphy envolks his law at the least favorable moments, so on a hunt of this caliber a spare rifle would be a must. I would also require that one of the two rifles was a rifle that has been field tested for a couple of seasons ( backup rfle is OK ) with no misgivings.

Caliber choice could be argued quite a bit, but the a 30 mag in my mind covers the most ground, slightly better sheep rifle, excellent choice for barren ground hunts. In the thicker timber and grizzly country the 338 WIn Mag is a better choice, as would a 375 H&H, but for sheep and caribou the 30 mag would still be my first logical choice. My heart would still want to use a 7mm pill though, but I freely admit it would be a less than desirable choice for bears in short range senario.

Looking into my rifle rack right now my FN chambered for 30-338, with a Leopold 1.5x5, would be my first choice of rifles I would bring, it is a vetran of many hard hunts, and 180-200 grain bullets with this combo performs on game. My second rifle would be either my 375 H&H or one of my 7mm's, and vetrans of hard hunts would have bonus points in my selection process. I want reliable.

Funny as I think through my rifles in the rack, my choices for this would all be Mauser's or old Model 70's, and none of my Remingtons would make the cut.

One gun for all of BC?

EASY!!!

Mauser 98 in 9.3 x 62. With 250 grain Ballistic Tips or GS Custom HV bullets it will reach out there for sheep. With Woodleigh 320 soft nose it will be nice medicine for grizz.

MHO, I take your point as most of my rifles did not cost very much although they are pretty desirable classic models, such as minty Browning Safari, "old" Mod. 70s, Mannlicher-Schoenauer and elderly Brnos. I simply have found many fine pieces at low prices by waiting, learning what to watch for and buying during the recent market drop in used gun prices in Canada, due to our fascist-commie-fembo-faggot gun laws. I am not well off, but, am severely addicted to choice guns......

Now, the issue concerning braggadocio is one that I had hoped not would distort this thread. I do not consider Allen Day to be any form of a braggart, nor am I. I prefer to base my opinions on gun issues on actual, personal, field experience and thus specifically mention what guns I have/had to substantiate the points I make concerning a given topic. Allen seems to do the same thing and I find this sort of posting gives me more information and a greater opportunity to learn than do the posts where a few people slag others whom they cannot emulate....at least, they certainly refuse to post their own experiences as validation of their points.

One might as well state that the attitude that you espouse in respect of inexpensive rifles found in unlikely places or cobbled together from spare parts, is "reverse snobbery", this would be as valid as the concern about boasting, IMHO. The whole point is that one may not actually need a "Legend" for BC conditions, but, a really good and genuinely suitable rifle that costs $250.00 is as rare and extreme an example of what is needed as the "Legend" seems to be considered....I live here and this is based on much direct experience, it's NOT an attempt to slag or insult you, just what I see.

I agree with the familiarity issue and I have my rifles modified in terms of safeties, etc. so that they all have identical controls...it makes a difference at close range with an inquisitive Bear or a sudden encounter with a Wolf with a fabulous hide.

Schromf....BAD BOY !!!! ONE RIFLE-play fair!!!!

Seriously, tho', for what it costs a non-resident to hunt BC, I would and do ALWAYS take a spare rifle, even as a resident. But, then Allen's choice begins to make even more sense as one "Legend" with a spare scope is not that much more than two "tuned" other rifles; the simplicity of not having to worry about a spare, cased rifle really appeals to me....camp personnel have "played" with my spare more than once.

quote:

Originally posted by kutenay:
I think that for serious, push it to the limits, B.C. hunting, there are three rounds that are "best". These are the 9.3x64 Brenneke with 286 NPs at 2600, the .358 Norma with 250-280 gr. premium bullets and the .338 Win. Mag. with 250 premiums.

(I've added the bold/italics)
And

quote:

Originally posted by kutenay:
Concerning the 9.3x62, I consider this round, the .350 Rem. Mag., the .338-06 and the Whelen to be the "second tier" of suitable cartridges for the hunting here in B.C.

Kutenay,

I don't see the sense in that statement...My Barnes manual lists the top velocity of a .338win mag with 250grn bullets as around 2600fps (give or take a few FPS) and it lists 250grn from the 9.3x62mm as about the same: 2600fps...

OK the section density of the 9.3 will be slightly lower, but in a premium bullet such as the Barnes I don't think thats an issue as far as performance on game goes...

As to bullet drop, out 300yards there is hardly any difference.. 15.69" for the .338win Mag and 16.40...Even out to 400yards the 9.3 only has a couple more inches drop..

Practically I would say that a bigger disadvantage for the 9.3x62 was ammo availability but I bet its more available than the .358 Norma Mag or the 9.3x64mm???

Regards,

Pete

Well, being Welsh, he's a Celt, a difficult breed at best.....being part Celtic myself may actually explain it all!!!

My .338 Win. Mag. loads with the 250 NP do about 2725 fps-mv and I could go hotter, to about 2775 w/o problem, based on a fair amount of chronographing. My 9.3x74R gives 2375 with 286 NPs and I expect about the same from the custom 9.3x62 on a ZG-47 I am building. We are certainly splitting hairs here, for many purposes I might well prefer the 9.3x62 over the .338 Mag.

Actually, I am also building a .338-06 on a Brno 21H action with a light synthetic stock, Talleys, light bbl. and custom irons, about 7 lbs. all up and empty and this is my idea of a mountain rifle for we geezers who pack meat in Grizzly country. So, other than the fun inherent in these discussions there is not much point to a disagreement over the 9.3s, the .35s or the .33s for most hunters on most B.C. game.

Dale Copeland is a head guide with Barry Thompkins outfit, "HighandWild" in northern BC and was an Outfitter himself. He was born and raised in the northeastern BC bush and is the finest "white" tracker I have ever seen; I am not exactly a beginner and he makes me look like a kid at almost everything to do with wilderness big game hunting. He has shot 51 Grizzlies and uses a .35 Whelen AI in a nicely reworked custom Mauser 98 rifle.....a choice right in the middle of what we are talking about and his credentials are certainly valid!

So, come and see us Pete, your 9.3 will certainly do the job!

Model 70 featherweight with Leupold compact 3-9 scope in .30-06 loaded to roughly 2,750'/sec with 200 Grain swift A-Frames.

A heck of a lot of power in a very light and short (scabbard worthy) rifle.

I guess I'm an analyst by avocation as well as vocation. I don't have any feel for the ranges that I'd be hunting at so I’d have to determine what ranges I'd expected to hunt first. If I figured I'd be inside 175 yrd.s most of the time I'd probably take an A-Bolt Stainless Stalker .338 with a BOSS and McMillian composite stock. I’m 56 and I’d want all the light I can get hunting things that might eat me. I’d do a S&B 1.5x6x42 with a 4 reticle. If I though longer shots from 175 to 375 yrd.s were more likely I’d take the heavier A-Bolt Eclipse with a Boss and a laminate stock in .338 and a Leupold LPS 2.5-10x45. If shots to 450 seemed likely I’d do the Eclipse in 300 WM with an OIR 2.5-10x56...but glass is darn heavy.

I think Kutenay has stated a lot of truths.

I've owned many rifles over the years, mostly regular production factory rifles that I tuned up when necessary, and most of them worked very well. Believe it or not, many of the standard factory rifles -- particularly Remington 700s and Winchester Model 70s -- worked BETTER and were more durable than some of the fancy, expensive, cosmetically-oriented custom rifles I've owned and have been around that were not only highly vulnerable to hard use, but sometimes didn't shoot or function as well as they should, either. Lots of 'show' but not enough 'go'! I consider such rifles to be a rip-off and a waste of time for a serious hunting rifle.

But there is a breed of custom rifle that has evolved -- by design, not accident -- to maximize accuracy, durability, and reliability for world-wide hunting use under any conditions, and this type of custom rifle is absolutely worth investing in. I own rifles from D'Arcy Echols that are of this type, but guys like Gene Simillion, David Miller, Mark Penrod, Hill Country Rifles, Ryan Breeding, Empire Rifles, and likely others strive for the same objective. Prices vary greatly, but the overall goal is the same.

This sort of investment isn't about snob appeal, and it's not about money, it's about insurance. Price a full-bag, three-week British Columbia, Yukon, or Alaskan hunt; price a two or three-week African hunt; look at the conditions you might hunt under and the potential risks you might run from some of the animals you might encounter and see if maybe a rifle that's built without compromise might not be the best possible insurance policy you can take out. Let's face it, if you can afford a $20-30K (or more) hunt -- and those are realistic numbers -- you can afford a top-notch rifle, especially since a good rifle won't need to be replaced (rebarreled maybe) and can last for your entire hunting career and beyond. I mean, you're investing in a VERY expensive hunt of a lifetime that includes dangerous game, and all you can come up with is a Savage 110 or Browning A-Bolt? This is known as reverse-economy, stepping over a dollar to pick up a dime, etc.

At the very least, you can get a current Ruger 77 Mark II, Remington 700, Weatherby Mark V, or Model 70 Classic properly tuned and adjusted, or else just buy a good pre-64 Model 70 or Belgian Browning Safari. Most factory rifles need some tuning and good handloads, to say the least.

Durability, reliability, over-all quality, and a stable point-of-impact are the key considerations. That great, simplistic modern icon, "benchrest accuracy" is of secondary importance. One-inch groups are plenty good enough..........

AD

quote:

Originally posted by allen day:
At the very least, you can get a current Ruger 77 Mark II, Remington 700, Weatherby Mark V, or Model 70 Classic properly tuned and adjusted, or else just buy a good pre-64 Model 70 or Belgian Browning Safari. Most factory rifles need some tuning and good handloads, to say the least.

Durability, reliability, over-all quality, and a stable point-of-impact are the key considerations. That great, simplistic modern icon, "benchrest accuracy" is of secondary importance. One-inch groups are plenty good enough..........

AD

I'm in a 1000% agreement with this statement, if you have $20K invested in a hunt, another $2K in a proper rifle is just a small percentage of the total cost of the hunt.

Kutenay, this may not be much of a compliment, but we seem to think alike, a lot!

I am having my latest sheep rifle built as we speak, and I went with the 280Ackley with thoughts of using the 140 triple shock due to the big furries. But I gave serious thought to the 338-06, and may well have gone with it if I was more intelligent. With a lightweight 185 or 210 triple shock it would still shoot pleanty flat, and be a lot better for bears than my 7mm will ever be.

quote:

Originally posted by craven:
Take the 35 Whelen with 225 to 250 grainers and moderate recoil, it will do all you want to. Then top it off with a good 2x7 or 3x9 and your ready for some fun.

Craven

That is what I would bring. I use 200 gn interlocks @ 2800 fs for lighter stuff at any reasonable range and heavier bullets for bigger stuff with long teeth. Mine is currently scoped with a 2.5X5 Weaver but for that trip I would want a scope with more up to date technology. I wouldnt do that trip with one gun. Two is a much better proposition.

The 8X68s would also be an outstanding choice as long as you take care of your ammo.

Hard to beat the 300 WM for said trip though. Top it off with a 3X9 Elite or Leupold and go hunting.

quote:

kutenay

I was just surprise about your "2nd Tier" comment thats all, when for all intensive purposes the 9.3x62mm and the .338WinMag are vertually identical performance wise when both loaded with 250grns...

Regards,

Pete

Right now I'm feeling kind of nostalgic, I'd build a sporterized Springfield in 35 Whelen (Craven beat me to the caliber)

With a Lyman 66 steel peep sight and probably a leupold 2-7 on some sort of QD mount, figure that one out when the gun is taking shape.

Sorry Mark for beating you to the punch. Im currently working alot with my Whelen getting ready for my first Africa trip. Taking new loads with 250gr swift a-frames to the range this weekend.

Craven

quote:

Originally posted by allen day:
I own rifles from D'Arcy Echols that are of this type, but guys like Gene Simillion, David Miller, Mark Penrod, Hill Country Rifles, Ryan Breeding, Empire Rifles, and likely others...
AD

Well said Allen.

What about Bill Leeper? I know that he is Canadian, but ??

i would take my merkel double rifle 9.3x74r with schmidt und bender scope,i cant think of better rifle

I understand that Jim Shockey shot all of the B.C./Yukon animals with his .50 cal muzzleloader.

I have several rifles in my safe that shoot flatter and have equal or greater energy than Shockey's muzzleloader. They include a 7mm Rem mag, .30 Gibbs, .300 Wby mag, and a .375 Ultra mag. I shoot all of them equally well, and I would be confident hunting with any of them.

However, to pick one for the question of this post, I would choose my .300 Weatherby shooting 180 gr TSX bullets for grizzly and moose, and 168 gr TSX bullets for everything else. It's topped with a 4-12x Leupold.

Hello Kutenay,
Last year I was in the market for a 338 WM. and I purchased one in a Tikka T3 Hunter(blued barrel/wood stock & plastic clip). After reading about everyone using synthetic stocks, stainless actions and barrels, I am begining to feel like I made a foolish choice in my purchase. Though I much prefer a CRF over a push feed, I must say the Tikka operates incredibly smoothe and is quite accurate.

I know the caliber is fine but what is your opinion on the Tikka T3 Hunter rifle for this type of hunt?

338wm or 300 wm mag in a stainless syt stock and a leupold 2.5x8 with the newest long range reticle. Ruger, Win, Rem Browning ect as long as the rifle fit me had a good trigger and shot the load I wanted under a inch.

I would be very happy. Just to be hunting up there.

I'll grab it out of the safe and we'll go right now.

A-Bolt Stainless Stalker .375 Weatherby with a Weaver 2-10x38. Pet load is an 250gr. SGK at 3060 fps. It hits very hard and shoots reasonably flat to 500 yards.

Whatever we're huntin'........ bring it on!!

I did such a hunt in 2008. A 45 minute bush flight out of Toad River BC. My old Ruger tang 35 Whelen throwing 225 gr TSX's at 2700 fps did the job very well on moose and elk.

338 win mag in a SS glass stocked take your pick rifle, or if I was in really dense woods, I get kinky, a SS Marlin Guide gun shooting heavy hard cast slugs and a 2-7 scope.