[oliver1800]

how about a 30-06 or 12 gauge. Not sure about 30-06 I dont have one but i hear people hunt bear with them here.(wisconsin black bear)

[SwedeSteve]

Not enough for Yogi !! You can argue that till the sun goes down, but the bottom line is 300 Mag is the minimum where there's a good, scouted shot. 45/70 if you're close in. A 338 Sako Carbine is the best of both worlds. But a 338 is for putting down Coastal Brownies in brush, Musk Ox, and Greyhound Buses. Guides here carry 45/70 because their shots are usually self defense or going in for a wounded bear.

If you've hunted Browns or Grizz here in Alaska, you know the wisdom in those words. All else is guesswork !!

[oliver1800]

im not arguing SwedeSteve I was just kinda wondering my self if that would work. Would you even use long range shots on bear? Is it pretty much brush when you get in woulds?

[Jim Rau]

Quote:       Originally Posted by oliver1800

im not arguing SwedeSteve I was just kinda wondering my self if that would work. Would you even use long range shots on bear? Is it pretty much brush when you get in woulds?

Most guides will not allow 'long' shots on bear.
1. Shot placement is paramount. The closer the better for accurate shot placement.
2. If they have to do some 'follow-up' shooting it is usually at a moving target. Again, closer is better.
3. If the bear takes off, and they usually do, it is easier to keep track of them if you are closer.
Closer is better!!!

[andrew cochran]

I actually think .30-06 is the minum for moose maybe a .270. But I would rather have and would feel better carrying a .338 or .300 for grizzly.

Slug guns have there place and some hunting in Alaska would be fine with slug guns, but as a universal hunting gun especially long range, they are not perfect.

200 yards with sabot slugs dosn't ast too much.

[andrew cochran]

I don't see alot of difference in the .45/70 and a 12 guage slug gun.

[travisg96]

So would a 30-06 be a good starter gun then? I started with a 8x57 Mauser and that packs about as much punch as a 30-06. Of course it depends on weather he will be using reloads or just factory ammo. a Akley improved 8x57 can reach magnum velocities but you have to reload to do it. I will ask what he would be hunting. Probably moose or caribou. Do they have Elk up there? I doubt he will be going after Grisly so maybe just a protection gun to carry while fishing. A pump 12 ga loaded with 00 followed by a couple of .73 roundballs was sugested to me as a good protection gun against grisly.

[SwedeSteve]

If well scouted, you can get a 150-300m shot on a Brownie. It's not all in the 50-100m range as you would suspect. It all depends where you hunt. On the Kobuk, I was presented with anywhere from 50- 250 M shots depending where you were on the river. I was there to fish, but those were the shots presented. Remember, a 100m walk in any direction can changr your shot !!

[andrew cochran]

Quote:       Originally Posted by travisg96

So would a 30-06 be a good starter gun then? I started with a 8x57 Mauser and that packs about as much punch as a 30-06. Of course it depends on weather he will be using reloads or just factory ammo. a Akley improved 8x57 can reach magnum velocities but you have to reload to do it. I will ask what he would be hunting. Probably moose or caribou. Do they have Elk up there? I doubt he will be going after Grisly so maybe just a protection gun to carry while fishing. A pump 12 ga loaded with 00 followed by a couple of .73 roundballs was sugested to me as a good protection gun against grisly.

Ummm Yeah .30-06 is fine for moose and the like. But for the big brown bears I'd want something alot bigger!

If you use 12 guage for bear defence, I'd go with slugs. Rifled slugs like the breneke type.

[cjleete]

My dad took moose regularly with a 30-06 or a .303 Brit. Just have to use good shot placement

[SwedeSteve]

^ Agreed !!

[andrew cochran]

^ I second that...

[andrew cochran]

If you really want to hunt ALL alaskan game get a good bolt action .300 win mag and your set!

[SwedeSteve]

I think if you have a 300WM, a 12 Ga, and say a 41 or 44Mag handgun you've got all the bases covered.

[TSALI]

Lived in there tell I was 30. My gun of choice .338 mag. 250gr on moose, 210gr on caribou. 44mag on my side at all times when hunting.

[andrew cochran]

Well you could use a .22 LR too. I think you'd really have it perfect then.

[SwedeSteve]

Yes, a 22 is nice too.

[andrew cochran]

Especially if you trap... And ammo isn't quite as expensive.

[SwedeSteve]

A 22 pistol is ideal for that. But I'm getting away from the original post, as usual, LOL !!

[andrew cochran]

Yea, but it's easier to hit a hare if you have a rifle with you. I've never been a good shot with a pistol.