If I had to pick one it would be the 338 WM, but I'm glad I don't. It just wouldn't be as fun without the options.

Since you already have the 338 and were thinking of another caliber, I'd move up - I sometimes choose the 375 H&H and sometimes the 416Rem.

Greetings.

I am new to this forum and have found the postings to be informative. I would like to see what your thoughts are on the "best, all purpose" rifle caliber for hunting in Alaska. I am quite sure there will be a full spectrum of opinions but would like to get a general concensus. I will be moving to Alaska this summer and am looking at possibly getting a new rifle for I am quite sure there will be abundance of hunting to be had in the state.

I would also appreciate it if those of you who are Alaskan residence would share any tips or recommendations on getting linked up to the hunting scene in your state.

Thanks for your time in advance.

The "Best" that's a hard one to tackle. The opinions on this topic are like assholes...everyone's got one. So I give you mine.

I moved up here when I was in the Army sometime ago. Grew up in Montana and Idaho so I've always hunted big game critters. I perfer the 300 win mag as a all around hunting round here in Alaska. Flat, hard hitting, versitale and 30 cal. (.308) has the best all around selection for bullet weight options for reloading. I have put quite a few swamp donkeys (moose) in the freezer with 180gr. Hornady interlock bullet.

The 338 win, 30-06, would be other good choices as well.
You love Alaska...I never left it.

338wm

The 30-06, 300 mags or 338 mags would definately be good choices.

Where in the state do you plan to live, and what do you plan to hunt? That will have the greatest effect on your decision. Assuming you already have a "deer rifle" ie something between 25 and 30 caliber, then a 338 win mag would be the logical step up, or better yet a 375 H&H.

If you don't already have a deer rifle, then a 30-06, or if the recoil doesn't bother you, a 300 win mag is very, very versatile.

yhc;

i like the .340 wthby, good balance of flat shooting and plenty hard hitting.

if u reload or plan on a lot of shooting, then .338 w.m. in stainless steel and synthetic stock. with 250 gr. scope 1.5-6x, 2.5-8x, 3-9x. good luck.

cold zero

The 338 wm is an awesome choice for all around Big Game rifle for North America.The Ruger Model 77 mark II stainless is a good rifle .You wont cry when you scratch it like a $2000 gun or one with nice wood.It rains alot during hunting season also.I use 250 gr bullets for everything.I did get a Weatherby 338-378 for the Tundra .It just adds about 200-300 yards to the 338 win mags range.The 338 win mag is awesome for everything from deer,sheep and keeps you out of bear trouble.Kodiak and coastial bears are larger there I would use my 416 rem mag.

A few years ago I would have said 338wm but the last few years I have packed a 338 rum for everything from sheep to brownbears and I love it and yes it kicks the hell out of you but it hits like the hammer of Thor.

I just don't believe in the "best one" stuff anymore, especially with firearms.

Just like I drive different vehicles depending on what I'm doing, I use different rifles when hunting.

Like others have posted here, the calibers that I think shine up here in Alaska for "big game" can be summed up with the 338WM, 300WM, and the 30-06.

Other features I think are valuable are:

*Stainless steel construction
*Composite stock
*Back-up iron sights (in case the scope fails during a hunt), preferably ghost-ring style
*Quick-detach scope rings
*Quick release scope lens caps
*Premium hunting bullets

I have used three chamberings in Alaska. A .300 Win mag for Caribou (180 gr Nosler Partition), and Brown Bear (200 grain Nosler Partition). The Brown Bear experience prompted me to seek something larger. The next time I packed a .340 Wby with 250 grain Nosler Partition Gold for Moose. Then the last trip I packed a .358 STA with 270 grain North Fork for Caribou and Wolfe in big Bear country. The later is my opinion of the perfect rifle for all of Alaska. That 270 grain North Fork at 2950 fps is awesome indeed. Good shooting.

The one you can shoot the best.

as for an alaskan caliber, I'd say the 338, its easy to find, and near anyone can shoot it not to mention it comes in every factory's line up

If I could only have one rifle(GOD FORBID!!!) a 338 WM would be my
choice for alaska!!

Well since you have the 2 rifles i would suggest . it seems to me there is one choise left you need a 416 rem or rigby now you will be loaded for bear or anything else you choose to hunt on the planet . Bob

Clearly, the best rifle/caliber for Alaska is a Weatherby .378 barreled action with an HS Precision stock, shooting 250 to 300 grain bullets of your choice, travelling at 3000 fps (or faster), with a 1.75 to 6 power scope. What other choice is there? Clearly, there is no other choice!

.375 H&H.....One Planet, One Gun...

dave

Be different. Get a 358 Norma Mag.

What's the scoop on that caliber? I don't know much about it...I'm going to look it up and learn myself something...heh.

dave

its a great caliber, I loved my 358, just too hard on the pocket book, for a wildcat and a semi wild cat on a PFC's pay

The question was asked : The "Best" caliber for Alaska Great question One anwser .. Were are you hunting ? East Alaska ? south west Alaska ? lower Alaska?
Everone here seems to think that the 300 or 338 or 358 cal are best suited for all around hunting the answer is NO
Dont try swinging that really nice new 26 inch barreled 300 Weath. in the brush.
Yes there great and the best choice for the open areas.
The 358 Norma with a 22 inch is very good and covers most of the ground ..
The other choices are 45/70 Using Garrett ammo and the
Winchester .405 Even a good 30/06 works well .
It all comes down to WERE

Pottsy

A 7x57 Mauser should be able to handle all of your Deer, Sheep, Caribou and Moose hunting quite nicely... Seriously!

Thanx fer yer input on the 45-70 their Carmello. Nice plug for the queerit ammo too Why dont you just put the " I know of what I speak" and the plug for garter ammo in your signature ?

There is no "best" caliber. it's all in the bullet placement.

I think we would all agree that bullet placement is essential. But. If you you walk around Alaska with a .270, or a .280 Rem, or anything less than a .30-06 (and I would say that a .308 of any fashion is too small to be a fight stopper), you are making a dare that your rifle may not be able to keep. I have never had to shoot an animal in defense, but I carry a .378. I have never wrecked my truck, but I still carry vehicle insurance. Bullet placement is essential. But so is proper bullet construction and caliber. Normally, bigger holes made by big and horrible and damaging and vicious bullets placed in the right spot does much better than bullets that are not.