30-06 FOR MOOSE
I have what you might call a dilemma. I have the limit of being able to handle the recoil of a 30-06, but that's about it. Even then, due to an old sports injury and three subsequent surgeries, I have to think through a tendency to wince, which is just short of a flinch, to stay on target with a mental and physical follow through.
I have a friend in Alaska who has invited me to hunt moose. I think the 30-06 is a little light for the job, and am hoping for a suggestion.
Greg W., Nebraska
A 30-06 will do the job. Be confident of your bullet, because getting in to the vitals is critical for a humane kill that will be over in seconds. Sure, I'd rather see you step up to a 338 Winchester Magnum with a muzzle brake, chambered in a rifle that is well designed to reduce felt recoil. Of them on the market today, take a look at the Winchester Model 70 Sporter. It weigh about 7-3/4 pounds, and has a sensible Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad. A good brake can be added by a truly competent gunsmith (avoid the non-competent), with the blued finish nicely matching. Don't hesitate to select a brake that has a larger diameter than the barrel at the muzzle. It will be more effective.
Another good choice would be Ruger's Hawkeye African at about 8 pounds. I'd avoid their 20-inch barrel Guide Gun in 338, even though that rifle is stainless. The African has a 23-inch barrel, and the current version is already fitted with a removable muzzle brake. However, for whatever reason, Ruger has continually avoided fitting their rifles with much more than a hockey puck for a butt pad. Because of that, my vote goes for the classic Winchester. The 70 Sporter in 338 has a 26-inch barrel. This could be reduced to 24 inches, plus the brake. However, if you preferred the Ruger, a really good stock maker could remove some butt and install a quality inch-thick pad. Less than a totally professional job at this will look like crap. We know a person who can do this correctly, if you're interested.
With a top-quality muzzle brake, selected for recoil-reducing performance, the 338 Winchester Magnum in a same-weight rifle will produce only a couple more foot-pounds of free recoil than a 30-06 without a brake.
Back to the 30-06... Take a logical look at your rifle and see what might be done to reduce its recoil. You may be able to get more comfortable than you think. Feel free to call and discuss this with us; perhaps we can offer a suggestion or two. No sense in aggravating that shoulder if you can prevent it. We have some favorite heavy bullets for the 30-06; the 180-grain Swift A-Frame or Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, the 200-grain Swift A-Frame or Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, and the 220-grain Nosler Partition. Enjoy your moose hunt, and good luck. Have a serious group safety discussion before moving out.