Grizzly-Moose-Deer; 30-06 or 416 or both?

[FITASC666]

This subject may have already been debated to death. But here it goes again. I have an opportunity to go for a combo grizzly-moose-deer hunt in Northern BC. I have two rifles; a 30-06 sporter and a 416 Rigby. By choice I'd bring both, but weight restrictions in the last flight leg suggest I choose one.
BC interior grizz's are not as big as Alaskan heavy weights, however the moose are as big...but not as dangerous as the bear. Should I go with the 30-06 with 220 gr and 180 gr, or just suit up the Rigby with 400gr. The Rigby is impressively accurate; sub MOA at 100 yds!
Your thoughts?

 

[GodGuns&Guitars]

I'd choose the Rigby. You can never have too much gun. Lots of people every year are killed by moose so don't walk up to one thinking it's Bullwinkle. I've been charged by the things three times but managed to end the charge by firing into the muskage just in front of them. As far as the bear go, the Canadian grizz are not as large, but try wounding one and he can kill you just as dead, just as fast.

 

[bang_bang]

You can never have too much gun.

I'd take the .416 too. When dealing with some dangerous game, either hunting specifically for them or in the general area, I wouldn't take the chance to be a meal or rug for another animal.

 

[dougwx12]

30-06

 

[.38 Special]

You might also consider a light spitzer in the .416. One of the tough 350 or even 300 grain bullets can give you similar trajectory to your .30-'06/220, but still with plenty of punch for grizzly.

 

[bad_aim_billy]

I would assume the /06 is the lighter gun to tote around, that's probably the clincher imho

 

[matrem]

Bigger is ALWAYS better, assuming you're as good with bigger.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I'd go with the .30-'06 if you're hunting from a stand. Like you say, take some 220s and some premium 180s. If hunting from the ground, then the .416. Won't be nuttin left of poor wittle ol bambi after the .416!

 

[tango2echo]

Twenty years as a bear guide speaking: Take the .416 and know how to shoot it.


t2e

(Oh, and an enraged moose will have no issue stomping you to death.)

 

[H&Hhunter]

Won't be nuttin left of poor wittle ol bambi after the .416!

Of course I know that you are talking tongue in cheek. I 416 will do almost no meat damage to a deer it'll pass through leave a big hole with very little bruising. The .416 Rigby doesn't have enough velocity and the bullet will hang together so well that it will cause almost no blood shot meat.

I've shot plenty of light critters with medium bore and heavy bore rifles. Meat damage simply isn't an issue unless you going blowing pelvises apart that tends to make a big mess with anything.

Either rifle will work I am assuming when you say Bear you are talking grizzly? I am also guessing that you since you mentioned Canada and moose and deer that we are talking hunting inland? Which makes the 06 a viable choice but if you are capable with your .416 it isn't a bad choice either.

 

[bootless]

+1 for .416. I here those "grizzly moose dear" are ferocious creatures. I wouldn't want to be under gunned. Seriously though, when it comes dangerous game a little extra wouldn't hurt.

 

[T.R.]

This photo was taken 2 summers ago in New Brunswick, Canada within a few miles of border with Maine. I got off the trail and ran. The bull moose trotted away in opposite direction.

A 12 gauge shotgun loaded with slugs would've been handy. Fire the first slug into ground between his legs and run. If he follows, shoot for the neck/head/chest and keep shooting.

TR

 

[SHOOT1SAM]

How often do you actually hunt with the .416? Yes, I know you can hunt with it anytime, but it would seem like this is a perfect opportunity to to put it to its intended use.

And, like your signature states:

One shot One kill or don't pull the trigger

When it comes to a grizzly bear, that seems like a good philosophy.

Whichever rifle you take, I'm jealous!!

Sam

 

[Chuck24]

I think I would listen to t2e.

 

[caribou]

If you cant kill it with a 30-06 you should hide.

180s are the schizzzzzzz

 

[stevelyn]

Another vote for the .30-06 or you could split the difference between the '06 and .416 and make it a .35 Whelen.

 

[jpwilly]

I'm thinking 12GA pump and decent slugs. Light handy and very capable at the ranges you're going to be engaged by bear or moose at.

 

[Arkel23]

Go with the .416, better to be safe than sorry.

 

[jim in Anchorage]

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This subject may have already been debated to death. But here it goes again. I have an opportunity to go for a combo grizzly-moose-deer hunt in Northern BC. I have two rifles; a 30-06 sporter and a 416 Rigby. By choice I'd bring both, but weight restrictions in the last flight leg suggest I choose one.BC interior grizz's are not as big as Alaskan heavy weights, however the moose are as big...but not as dangerous as the bear. Should I go with the 30-06 with 220 gr and 180 gr, or just suit up the Rigby with 400gr. The Rigby is impressively accurate; sub MOA at 100 yds!
Your thoughts? /QUOTE]

What exactly is the plane you're taking in? If you want to take out a moose, a bear hide and a deer 10 LBs of extra rifle going in should not be a issue. Also it never hurts to have two guns on a fly in hunt. It's not like if one breaks you can hop in the truck and get a new one.