You be the Judge! Caliber Question

[Aaron N]

I'm here to discuss the Mirriams Turkey.

Use whatever bore shotgun you want, but do yourself a favor a pick up a box of Federal Heavyweight TSS Turkey loads and a Carlson's TSS Turkey Choke. They shells aren't cheap, but you will get what you pay for. Here are my patterns...View attachment 477082
View attachment 477083

I may have to touch base with you in the New Years. I’ve waited 13 years for this, and don’t know anyones who has ever gotten the draw.

 

[Aaron N]

Congrats on such amazing draw results!

Not much love for the 375 in this thread, so I’ll throw out a vote for that one.

I do think the 375 with 250s makes for a good set up.

 

[BeeMaa]

I may have to touch base with you in the New Years. I’ve waited 13 years for this, and don’t know anyones who has ever gotten the draw.

A friend of mine took a shot at 30 yards and put the pattern about 2 inches in front of the beak and it never took another step. It dumped backwards like it was hit by a baseball bat and the head stayed on the ground (minor twitching for a few seconds, but that's it). He did it on purpose to prevent meat damage. All the pellets passed through the head and none were found in the breasts...perfect.

I do think the 375 with 250s makes for a good set up.

EDIT - Not gonna argue with a 375 as an option. It's always a good solution.

 

[Aaron N]

My vote changes to the 308.

I took my first deer with a 308 so I have a soft spot for them.

 

[Tanks]

.300 H&H with 200 grain bullets would have a little bit more oomph than the 30-06, so it would have my vote.

I have never hunted a turkey so no idea on that.

 

[Bonk]

300H&H

 

[BourbonTrail]

I may have to touch base with you in the New Years. I’ve waited 13 years for this, and don’t know anyones who has ever gotten the draw.

Merriams like to be called… a lot. I used to bowhunt for them (over the counter tags). They are different from Easterns. Just be patient. They will come in from miles away.

 

[HuntingGold]

Everybody is going to give you their favorite caliber and all will work. I've killed everything on your list except turkeys with a 270. I've killed well over 60 of them but all with shotguns.

At the moment, I'm "rediscovering " the .30-06. I'd probably use that if I had the tags or.... pull a separate gun for each species just for the fun of it.

If brass is the hang up for the 280, I have 280 Rem brass that I could be persuaded to sell. I'm not trying to sell, I just don't want to see a guy lose out over that.

Planning and preparing is much of the fun. Enjoy the anticipation!
Randy

 

[Aaron N]

Everybody is going to give you their favorite caliber and all will work. I've killed everything on your list except turkeys with a 270. I've killed well over 60 of them but all with shotguns.

At the moment, I'm "rediscovering " the .30-06. I'd probably use that if I had the tags or.... pull a separate gun for each species just for the fun of it.

If brass is the hang up for the 280, I have 280 Rem brass that I could be persuaded to sell. I'm not trying to sell, I just don't want to see a guy lose out over that.

Planning and preparing is much of the fun. Enjoy the anticipation!
Randy

Thanks for the offer, but the brass is for 280 Ross, not Rem. I’m waiting on some from Quality Cartridge.

I had no idea that Oregon had turkeys!

 

[Aaron N]

I’m suprised that no enablers have told me I need to buy a new rifle, like a 9.3x62, or an R8!

 

[Wyatt Smith]

30-06 is my favorite, but you don’t really have any bad choices.

 

[Tra3]

I’d use the rifle that you are most comfortable with. If one of those rifles just isn’t ideal in how it handles, take it out of the mix.
All of those calibers will work.
Since I have to pick, I’m partial to a 7 mag, so probably the .270 weatherby.

An R8 is inexpensive… sell a couple of those guns, buy one R8, then add some barrels.

 

[Berettaco]

270 for deer and elk with a premium bullet under 300 yards - and 450/400 for moose cause why not!

 

[shootist~]

The `06(s) with your 165 monos. Sounds like they are ready to go.

 

[450 Rigby]

Another vote for 300 H&H. If the 180gr Barnes TTSX doesn't shoot well try some 180 or 200gr Swift A-Frames. They generally shoot Sub-Moa and retain weight very well. They'd be a great choice for elk/moose at the larger end of the game you listed. Also, if you get a raking/quartering shot on a moose or elk at 300 yds you might be very happy you went with the old 300 H&H.

 

[BryceM]

The elk is the toughest critter on the list, but the .300 H&H is a cool classic and up for the task. The 30-06 is a close second. There’s nothing wrong with the .375 though.…… ‘cept maybe for the turkey.

 

[freefall]

.300 Holland w/200-220 gr bullets.

 

[Newboomer]

.300 Holland w/200-220 gr bullets.

06 with 180gr Barnes TSX ahead of 53gr of 4350 for all except birds.

 

[putter97127]

375 for all but turkey... For turkey, pop the head off with the 270.

 

[flatwater bill]

Stunning number of tag draws for one hunter. Congrats. I know many, self included, that have gone 20 year stretches without a tag draw. Enjoy your bounty....................FWB