Ledd Slinger
Silver $$ Contributor
Over the years, I have hunted large game with many different calibers from a 243 Win to a 358 Norma mag and many others in between. After having witnessed the performance on a LOT of game with many different bullets is many different calibers, I've come to a personal conclusion on what is "actually" needed for harvesting the wide variety of North American big game...
I believe that with the relatively new long range bullets made by Berger and others, I really only need a fast 6.5 caliber cartridge and perhaps a large 338 cartridge. Everything in between seems pointless for North American big game. Now this is just my opionion, so hear me out if you will...
A 140gr Berger VLD launched from a fast 6.5 caliber rifle at speeds from 3100-3300 fps is extremely effective on large game from the small bodied Pronghorn, to black bear, to Elk. A fast 6mm round with 105gr bullets is very effective on most animals, but a little weak for long range elk. So a fast 6.5mm round is a better choice. It can take elk at long range with a well placed shot while having the advantage over larger 7mm and 30 calibers by producing lower recoil and less meat damage.
For taking long range elk more effectively, large bull moose, and all large North American bear species (Grizzly, Brown and Polar), I believe the next thing needed is a large 338 caliber. The 338 Winchester has proven itself for decades in this category, but an even larger 338 cal such as the 338 Lapua, 338 Norma, or 338-375 Ruger may be a better choice when trying to take those animals at long range. However, a 338 is a little "overkill" for prognhorn and small deer, so there is still the need for the previously mentioned 6.5 cal.
I believe the best do-all arsenal for all North American game is a fast 6.5mm round and a large 338 caliber. Is there really any reason for anything in between? Have fun with the debate
I believe that with the relatively new long range bullets made by Berger and others, I really only need a fast 6.5 caliber cartridge and perhaps a large 338 cartridge. Everything in between seems pointless for North American big game. Now this is just my opionion, so hear me out if you will...
A 140gr Berger VLD launched from a fast 6.5 caliber rifle at speeds from 3100-3300 fps is extremely effective on large game from the small bodied Pronghorn, to black bear, to Elk. A fast 6mm round with 105gr bullets is very effective on most animals, but a little weak for long range elk. So a fast 6.5mm round is a better choice. It can take elk at long range with a well placed shot while having the advantage over larger 7mm and 30 calibers by producing lower recoil and less meat damage.
For taking long range elk more effectively, large bull moose, and all large North American bear species (Grizzly, Brown and Polar), I believe the next thing needed is a large 338 caliber. The 338 Winchester has proven itself for decades in this category, but an even larger 338 cal such as the 338 Lapua, 338 Norma, or 338-375 Ruger may be a better choice when trying to take those animals at long range. However, a 338 is a little "overkill" for prognhorn and small deer, so there is still the need for the previously mentioned 6.5 cal.
I believe the best do-all arsenal for all North American game is a fast 6.5mm round and a large 338 caliber. Is there really any reason for anything in between? Have fun with the debate
