After discussing the theory behind hunting with smaller calibers and then taking a 6mm Creedmoor to Alaska to hunt big-bodied Caribou and Moose, we are recapping our experience and answering the questions we have received from our audience.
If you are new to our podcast or have not heard us discuss these topics previously, there is quite a bit of background to catch up on.
If this article (and the corresponding podcast discussion) is the starting point of your introduction into these topics and our background with them, then you are missing some key context and background.
We would highly recommend that you start with the foundation that was laid out in this 3-part podcast series on the topic of Why Smaller Calibers May Be Better for Big Game Hunting — Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
If you have listened to those discussions, then this latest podcast can be taken in context…
As discussed in the podcast, Steve’s 6mm Creedmoor Rifle was used this past fall in Alaska to kill 2 big-bodied caribou and 2 bull moose. If you want to watch the footage from those kills, we have linked to the specific shot segments that were captured as part of the Experience Project HUNT Film Series…
- Justin’s Caribou (340yds)
- Steve’s Caribou (600yds)
- Steve’s Moose (205yds)
- Justin’s Moose (400yds)
A stout leg bone from Justin’s 62” bull moose was completely shattered by the 108-grain ELD-M bullet.
The reason that we are taking any time to discuss this topic and share our experience has nothing to do with us having any agenda — other than the sole mission to share information that we believe can make for more effective and ethical hunters.
“Whether you have a 300 WSM, a 6mm Creedmoor, or something in between — you need to have the capability to execute a good shot, or nothing else matters.”
Although 6mm Creedmoor is our example, we are not advocating for any cartridge. Although the 108-grain ELD-M bullet is what we used, we don’t care how many bullets Hornady sells. Although we are presenting data and experience, we don’t care what cartridge you are shooting.
The thing we care about is being, and continually becoming, more effective and ethical hunters.
The gun industry and our hunting heritage have ingrained a “bigger is better” philosophy that is counter-productive, short-sighted, and misleading. It will take an open mind to consider why “smaller may be better”, but based on our research and firsthand experience, we have found strong reasons to continue shooting smaller calibers. And, just as importantly, keeping an open mind that is willing to question and validate what is "best" — no matter the source.