This is the first in four years there has been enough snow on the ground and cold enough for me to get up into the mountains to hunt for caribou (actually a cross with reindeer) and possibly a winter moose.
I need help.

I have "unblooded": m98/29 8x57mm Mauser, "The Persian", an m1909 Argentine in 7.65x53 Belgian, ZKK 602 in .375 Weatherby and of course my beloved .500 A-Square.

I have taken the .500 out three times for moose and each time Mr. Moose somehow knew I was coming. Since then I have been at school and Bethel has had mild winters. This year everything is perfect, cold and lots of snow.
My thinking is there would be nothing wrong with the .500 as the heavy bullets will not open on thin skinned game but just pass through leaving a nice hole. The low velocity will not cause extensive damage. I have talked to some about this and there is a 50/50 split: blow up or pass through.

The 8x57 is a known quantity, accurate and hard hitting with 200 grain Barnes at 2,600fps.

The Argentine is kind of drawing my eye. The most classic of my rifles. I have Norma ammo and some 140 grain GS Customs I know will smoke out of the long 29.1" barrel.

The .375 Weatherby has no scope and I can't hit the broadside of a barn, even with me inside, with those damned "express sights".
Besides, I think this one will mess up too much meat. A combo of bullet weight and speed isn't right for this hunt.

Your comments appreciated.

[This message has been edited by Roger Rothschild (edited 12-10-2001).]

I would take the 8x57 mauser it is as good as the 30-06. I have use it on deer and it works great

As a fellow member of the Knights of the 7.65x53 Argentine, i've gotta go with that one. nice little round. Should be able to get it up to @ a .308

------------------
When in doubt, do a nuclear strike.

I gotta agree with Paul and go with the 8X57. Your 200gr Barnes at 2600 is all you need.

------------------
When in doubt, empty the magazine.

Take the 8x57... One helluva round!

Take the 8 x 57 this year; in the meantime, get a scope on that .375 Weatherby and work up some decent loads for it -- it would make a fine moose gun.

I too would choose the 8 X 57.

I used an old Husqvarna in 8x57 for my first moose hunts. (This one was without a scope but the open sights worked fine for me.) So I recommend the 8x57, especially since it's a gun you obviously like and are used to.

I'd keep taking that A-square out til I hammered a moose with it. I'd hunt with the 8x57 from then on.

Canuck

OK OK!!!

Seems like I should probably take the 8x57. I will still think on it. I have several weeks. Thanks for the opinions.