It is not every fall that we set out on a moose hunt, especially in New Hampshire where it is done by lottery. It took me 20 years to win my chance.

Once your rifle is sighted in for 100 yards on a bench rest, I suggest:

Study moose anatomy for shot placement, See this website below.

https://www.ucalgary.ca/caribou/HuntingMoose.html

Practice shooting free hand and then off shooting sticks like a tripod, bipod or monopod below.

It is important to note that “felt recoil” off a pod is noticeably less than shooting off a bench. Try it, you’ll like it.

Shoot at targets without a bullseye like the back of a white paper target below, aiming for the center of the paper.

Be ready for working the bolt on your rifle after that critical first shot for an immediate follow-up shot.

You can purchase life size moose targets and shoot them at different distances. See Below.

The idea is to build confidence in your ability to make the shot into the vitals. 

Success!

Good Hunting!

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These deer hunting rifle cartridges come to mind for Eastern Moose hunting (Alces alces americana).

They are, the venerable 30-06 Springfield, 308 Winchester, 270 Winchester are common deer cartridges that work for moose. Both the 7mm08 Remington and 6.5 Creedmoor can work too on broadside shots. 

Shot distances for rifles with these calibers should generally be under 250 yards to deliver the energy for bullet mushrooming and for adequate penetration.

Shot placement in the chest is key, ideally striking both lungs. 

Using the 30-06, I would use a 180 grain expanding spitzer bullet and limit shot distances to 250 yards keeping bullet speed above 2000 fps for adequate mushroom and penetration. Energy at 250 yards would be around 1900 ft-lbs.

Using the 308 Winchester, I would use a 165 grain expanding spitzer bullet and limit shots to 250 yards delivering 1800 ft-lbs.

Using the 270 Winchester, I would use 150 grain expanding spitzer bullets and limit shots to 250 yards. Energy at 250 yards would be around 1800 ft-lbs

Using the 7mm08 or 6.5 Creedmoor I would use 140 grain expanding spitzer bullets and limit shots to 175 yards. Energy at 175 yards would be around 1800 ft-lbs and take only broadside shots.

Best bullets are partition/a-frame types, and bonded bullets. Both Nosler and Hornady bullets come to mind.

Key factors in cartridge choices are bullet speeds around 2000 fps or greater for the bullet to mushroom and energy around 1800 ft-lbs or greater for penetration.

Alaskan moose are the largest of bull moose and can be upwards of 1400 lbs or more live weight.

Terminal energy on these giants need to be much higher at impact. Some say 2500 ft-lbs. Again, shot placement is key. 

Aim small miss small!

Bull moose do not often fall on the first shot. Be prepared for a fast follow-up shot.

Of course Magnum cartridges work better at longer distances but have more felt recoil.

Good Hunting!

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