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Home / Moose & caribou rifles

Rifles for moose & caribou

Which caliber and rifle for Alaska's big game — and the bolt-action rifles we have in stock for each.

CaliberBest suited forWhy people choose it
.30-06 SpringfieldMoose, caribou, black bearThe all-rounder. Ammunition is sold almost everywhere; manageable recoil.
.300 Win MagMoose, caribou, sheep at distanceFlatter and harder-hitting than .30-06 for open-country shots, with more recoil.
.338 Win MagMoose, brown bearA step up in bullet weight — a favourite where big bears are part of the plan.
.375 H&H / .375 RugerMoose, brown bear, guide rifleThe heavy option; many guides carry one as a backup rifle.
7mm Rem MagCaribou, sheep, mooseFlat-shooting for long shots across tundra and alpine country.
.270 Win / .308 Win / 6.5 CreedmoorCaribou, blacktail deer, sheepLighter rifles and recoil for smaller big game and long walks.

Moose rifles: .30-06 to .375

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Caribou & sheep rifles

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Common questions

What is the best caliber for moose hunting?

.30-06 is the most common choice and is plenty with good bullets at sensible range. Many hunters step up to .300 Win Mag, .338 Win Mag or .375 H&H, especially where brown bears share the country. Bullet construction and shot placement matter more than the headstamp.

What is the best rifle for moose hunting?

A reliable bolt-action in a moose-capable caliber, with a weather-resistant finish (stainless or coated) and a synthetic stock that won't swell in wet weather. Pair it with a quality scope with good low-light performance.

What caliber is good for caribou?

Caribou are smaller than moose; .270 Win, .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm Rem Mag and .30-06 are all common. Open country means longer shots, so flat-shooting cartridges are popular.

Can one rifle do moose, caribou and bear?

Yes — a .30-06 or .300 Win Mag handles moose and caribou, and a .338 Win Mag or .375 covers moose and big bears with more margin. Many Alaskans own one "do-everything" rifle in one of these.

What are the hunting rules?

Legal methods, seasons and permits are set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and change year to year. Check the current Alaska hunting regulations for your unit before you go.

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