re: Help choosing a rilfe

Yep, Juneau is on the "inside passage." Incredible country.

Just get a 30-06 and be done with it. The 30-06 is plenty for moose and caribou, and don't tell anyone, but plenty of big bears have died from one too back in the days before all game animals started growing hides that made them impervious to all bullets not shot from something with a "magnum" in the title.

But seriously, the 30-06 is perfect. I don't consider a .300 Win mag much of an improvement on the 30-06 because it is firing the same bullet a few hundred feet per second faster. There isn't much increase in killing power.

If you really want to increase your killing power, you'll need to move up to something like a .338 Win mag or a 9.3x62.

So, I would just go with a 30-06 and if you get to Alaska and think you might want to hunt big bears, go buy you a .338 or something.

Lots of guys here hunt deer with a 30-.06, but I can guarantee you there is someone in their party with a .338 or .375.

No doubt you can bring down a bear at 100 yds with a 30-.06. I don't think anyone is disputing it. Most folks like to reduce the risk however and hitting a charging bear or moose in the vitals isn't a given. Also, getting a good shot within 150 yds or so with little wind isn't either. If I wanted something adequate, I would carry a .30-.06 everwhere. It's not about adequate, it's about reducing risks.

I'm 100% against overkill unless what I'm trying to kill can kill me. Then I want LOTS of overkill. For bear hunting, I want to be shooting no less then a .375

Yea I know. I was just sayin, .300 win mag wouldn't cut it for me with a bear, and would be overkill for deer. I'd have to get two rifles. Perfect excuse to convince the wife you need two IMO. Don't wanna blow the deer in half, need to blow the bear in half. Can't do it with one caliber.

I shoot a 300 rum . It has power level ammunition so you can tone it down for whitetail and kick t up for Bigger game.

hell just get a .50 BMG and be done with it




but srsly, If i were in your shoes I would go with a .338 win mag for now

I'd consider the 7mm Rem Mag. It can be used for whitetails in south LA. Use the 150 grain soft points and it won't wreak too much havoc on them. A lot of people will say it is overkill, but you can easily hit the deer behind the shoulder and not mess up any meat, while still delivering a deadly shot.

It can also be used up to elk and caribou with the 175 grain, higher end ammo. And it has better ballistics than the 30-06 and 308.

You would probably have to resight your gun between trips though.

I have a Browning X Bolt and love it. If you're looking to spend less the Browning A Bolts are a little cheaper and Remington makes some models for around $500. Should be able to find plenty at pawn shops too.