Quick Answer
For ethical moose hunting, critical bullet characteristics include high kinetic energy, large caliber, and a suitable expansion profile to quickly and humanely stop the animal.
Bullet Expansion and Penetration
When hunting moose with a .30-06 Springfield, a bullet that expands rapidly and penetrates deep is crucial. Look for bullets with a G7 or G1 ballistic coefficient and a weight of at least 150 grains. The Sierra GameKing 180-grain bullet is an excellent choice, with a G7 BC of 0.255 and a G1 BC of 0.484. This bullet will expand to around 1.5 times its original diameter, providing a quick and humane kill.
Caliber and Kinetic Energy
The .30-06 Springfield is a suitable caliber for moose hunting, as it delivers a respectable 2,300 ft-lbs of kinetic energy at 100 yards. However, for larger moose, consider stepping up to a larger caliber like the .338 Winchester Magnum or the .35 Whelen, which deliver 3,000 ft-lbs and 3,500 ft-lbs of kinetic energy, respectively. A larger caliber will ensure a quick and humane kill, even on larger moose.
Bullet Velocity and Range
When hunting moose at longer ranges, bullet velocity becomes critical. Aim for a minimum bullet velocity of 2,700 ft/s at 100 yards to ensure a reliable expansion and penetration. The Federal Premium .30-06 Springfield 180-grain Berger VLD Hunter bullet meets this requirement, with a muzzle velocity of 2,750 ft/s and a maximum range of 1,000 yards.
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