Nice set-up. I don't have one but it is next on the list to get. I always loved my single 12 ga. and you get pretty quick at follow up shots with a little practice.

It looks like you're planning to use a Barnes X-Bullet with a moly coating (based on the photo you posted). I tried the same bullet in 30-06 last year on a Newfoundland moose hunt.
My rifle liked it, I liked it. My moose did not like it at all, which is why I will use it again. One shot put him down, and a second, which I may not have needed, kept him down.

Good luck on your moose hunts. I took a Newfoundland moose 2 years ago, using a Winch mod 70 .300 mag, shooting PMC 180 gr ammo, and got him with one shot at 365 yards. The bullet was under the skin on the opposite side of the chest and is hanging under his antlers on the wall. He tasted kind of fishy, must have been the sea breezes.

The large size of a moose dictates that a suitable caliber rifle be used. The rifle should be one which maximizes your potential opportunities while minimizing the animals unnecessary suffering or loss.

Many caliber's are considered suitable for hunting moose, as long as they have the necessary power for a clean kill. A heavier bullet is recommended for game the size of a moose, as it is the bullets weight which influences penetration and expansion. This will, of course, lead to somewhat less velocity, producing poorer trajectory, but, in turn produces more shocking power at relatively shorter ranges, thereby being more effective for game as large and as tough as the moose.

Below is a chart of popular moose caliber's and bullet weights.

I used Nosler Partion data for B.C. and S.D. and FPS. as this forum liked this bullet.

CALIBER BULLET WEIGHT B.C. S.D. FPS.

.30/06 SPRINGFIELD 180 .474 .271 2800

.308 WINCHESTER 180 .474 .271 2700

7mm REM. MAGNUM 175 .519 .310 2900 Powder 62.5 grns

.300 WINCHESTER MAGNUM 180 .474 .271 3100

.300 WEATHERBY MAGNUM 180 .474 .271 3200

7mm WEATHERBY MAGNUM 150 .456 .266 3200

My input : 6.5-284 140 Barnes XLC .522 .287 2861 Powder 56.0 grns
At the range today and the load chronograph at this speed.

The 6.5 is a kick butt bullet with a lot less recoil and will penetrate as the big boy's do! With the all copper, I feel it will hold the 140 weight all the way throught the Moose.

As well it is advisable that moose rifles be equiped with a telescopic sight. Quite often shots are made which are relatively long. Shots more than 300 yards are realistically not advisable as the trajectory drops off significantly for most caliber's after that range. Scopes should be calibrated so that they are accurate,( dead on ), at 200 yards. This will allow for an effective shot anywhere from 0 to 300 yards, well within the approximate 8 inch radius of the kill zone.

The info came from this web site http://www.twin-lakes-air.com/moose.htm
and I added my input. Plus, how about this 8" kill zone? I use paper plates painted and at different yardage. I use Stoney point shooting sticks in all hunting positions to make it as real as I can. Shooting at a 300 yard range.

Steve
Barrington, NH

Thanks for the excellent info. As many have said, hunting is a lot like real estate-location, location, and location. Shot placement with a reasonable bullet will always win out over a bad shot with the best of equipment. That of course entails a lot of practice at the range or wherever is available. I hope to get to Alaska for bear and moose, but trips to Africa keep getting in the way (crying noises).