Small Calibers for Big Game Hunting

[CrimsonArrow]

I’m not really big into rifle hunting, but I’ve shot my share of deer, bear, caribou, and moose. I know a quality bullet placed well will kill just about anything, but I am not a fan of smaller calibers. It’s just taking an unnecessary risk. There’s a reason brown bear outfitters recommend/require big magnums. Things can go sideways in a hurry, and those big bullets can make up for less than stellar shots

 

[idcwby]

Honestly, the issue is the long range popularity. I have no problem with a 6.5 PRC for elk, carried it this year. Will likely go dump a cow with it. However, the long range piece of the equation is what throws in so many variables that lead to bad shots.

Maybe we need to move to build a campaign to make close range shots popular again.

Idaho is looking into doing an iron sight only season. Just not sure how it will be enforced. My other concern is the people that think they will still be able to shoot farther than they should with iron sights, not saying that doesn’t happen now, but your margin of error can be so much greater with iron sights.

I also heard Utah was thinking about the same thing.

 

[Timber Stalker]

Idaho is looking into doing an iron sight only season. Just not sure how it will be enforced. My other concern is the people that think they will still be able to shoot farther than they should with iron sights, not saying that doesn’t happen now, but your margin of error can be so much greater with iron sights.

I also heard Utah was thinking about the same thing.

I heard that may be happening over there. That would really piss some people off. I do think something has to be done however, technology is getting out of hand.
Some states actually care about conserving their game animals, Oregon is not on that list.

 

[JimP]

Idaho is looking into doing an iron sight only season. Just not sure how it will be enforced. My other concern is the people that think they will still be able to shoot farther than they should with iron sights, not saying that doesn’t happen now, but your margin of error can be so much greater with iron sights.

I also heard Utah was thinking about the same thing.

Utah had one this season, calling it a "restricted" hunt where only iron sights are allowed for rifles and pistols. There were reports of some hunters shooting at game way over the range that they could shoot effectively. The hunts were considered limited entry hunts where if a officer saw a hunter with optics on their rifles they would know what was going on. Plus the hunter had to apply for the hunt so they should know the regulations.

 

[idcwby]

Utah had one this season, calling it a "restricted" hunt where only iron sights are allowed for rifles and pistols. There were reports of some hunters shooting at game way over the range that they could shoot effectively. The hunts were considered limited entry hunts where if a officer saw a hunter with optics on their rifles they would know what was going on. Plus the hunter had to apply for the hunt so they should know the regulations.

Did Utah have any other seasons open at the same time?
Idaho for the most part, there is a wolf, bear, and cougar season that would overlap. Giving people a reason to have something with a scope.

 

[JimP]

There were other hunts going on in the unit but the tag holder was still restricted to only a open sighted weapon.

 

[Hilltop]

Those restricted seasons aren't the solution imo. I think they will lead to more wounding than primitive weapon seasons. Limit the effective range through weapon restrictions instead of limiting accuracy.

As far as limiting technology, GPS is the number one piece of technology that if limited, or eliminated, would have the biggest impact. Force people to navigate on their own and application numbers would plummet.

 

[idcwby]

Those restricted seasons aren't the solution imo. I think they will lead to more wounding than primitive weapon seasons. Limit the effective range through weapon restrictions instead of limiting accuracy.

As far as limiting technology, GPS is the number one piece of technology that if limited, or eliminated, would have the biggest impact. Force people to navigate on their own and application numbers would plummet.

That’s a new one and I like it. The only downside is the search and rescue teams would get overwhelmed.

 

[Hilltop]

That’s a new one and I like it. The only downside is the search and rescue teams would get overwhelmed.

We seemed to be fine before gps... a lost hunter or two kept rookies close to the road. Miss the good old days.

 

[idcwby]

We seemed to be fine before gps... a lost hunter or two kept rookies close to the road. Miss the good old days.

All of us that hunted before gps wouldn’t have a problem. I think there’s a generation or two that wouldn’t know how to hunt without them, that would cause a problem because they would think they still could.

 

[Hilltop]

All of us that hunted before gps wouldn’t have a problem. I think there’s a generation or two that wouldn’t know how to hunt without them, that would cause a problem because they would think they still could.

It isn't going to happen but we could use a little natural selection... technology has made life so easy we are losing our ability to think, learn, and live. I do get your point though.

 

[tim]

No onx? I don't need it, but it is handy.

 

[ScottR]

I also say i want more time to ride my bike and snowmobile and keep rafting. I need to retire.

You should retire and then I can help you find more hunts LOL.

 

[ScottR]

If we want to restrict things the best place to start is with the elimination of turrets and then restrictions on the type of reticles that are available. However, I have seen the pendulum swing the other direction. Some friends of mine went down the long range path and exited it after a couple misses just about as fast as they got into it.

Personally I will not shoot past 500 yards at a living target and I reserve the right to lower that distance depending on what the circumstances are.

 

[HuskyMusky]

I think I saw Ron Spomer talk about a hunter back in the day taking a bunch of wild horses with the 220 swift, saying it was very lethal.

the 22 creedmoor shooting 80gr I think would be fine on antelope, not sure about mule deer tho.

I could see shooting a 280ai over a 300wby etc...

I'm going a little nutty trying to figure out my ultimate lightweight mountain setup, I thought I wanted a do all 7prc, but worried about accuracy of a magnum in a lightweight setup, the 6.5prc might be more ideal mountain setup, but don't really think it's enough on elk? let alone moose, or in grizzly country.

 

[idcwby]

I think I saw Ron Spomer talk about a hunter back in the day taking a bunch of wild horses with the 220 swift, saying it was very lethal.

the 22 creedmoor shooting 80gr I think would be fine on antelope, not sure about mule deer tho.

I could see shooting a 280ai over a 300wby etc...

I'm going a little nutty trying to figure out my ultimate lightweight mountain setup, I thought I wanted a do all 7prc, but worried about accuracy of a magnum in a lightweight setup, the 6.5prc might be more ideal mountain setup, but don't really think it's enough on elk? let alone moose, or in grizzly country.

If you weren’t in grizzly country, I would say go with the 6.5. Everyone seems to forget the 6.5x55 Swede using 160gr bullets has killed a lot of moose.
What accuracy issues are you worried about with the 7prc?
How often are you going to be in grizzly country?

 

[HuskyMusky]

If you weren’t in grizzly country, I would say go with the 6.5. Everyone seems to forget the 6.5x55 Swede using 160gr bullets has killed a lot of moose.
What accuracy issues are you worried about with the 7prc?
How often are you going to be in grizzly country?

Mostly want something very accurate in a mountain rifle. Was wanting a 1 rifle do it all.
I did see weatherby loading a 156gr in the 6.5prc that looks pretty nice.
That 7 Backcountry looks pretty wild too.
Maybe I need a mtn rifle in 6.5prc and a do all in 7mm?

 

[idcwby]

Mostly want something very accurate in a mountain rifle. Was wanting a 1 rifle do it all.
I did see weatherby loading a 156gr in the 6.5prc that looks pretty nice.
That 7 Backcountry looks pretty wild too.
Maybe I need a mtn rifle in 6.5prc and a do all in 7mm?

What are you wanting it to weigh? That can make a difference on cartridge selection. I wouldn’t jump on the Backcountry bandwagon quite yet. I think higher pressure cartridges are the future, but not sure how it’s going to shake out. Sig and Federal both took different approaches to get there and it will be interesting to see how the barrels hold up.