Rifle for backup on Bison
My father in law was drawn for bison this winter, and we're planning a February trip. I'm partnered up on his draw, and wanted some advice and opinions on what rifle to bring.
The license holder is going to run a 30.06 with 165gr factory GMX. I have a choice of a Tikka 30.06, Kimber .280AI, and a Sako 85 7-08. I currently handload for all three. I'm wondering which of the above is best suited, and which cartridge and bullet combo you'd be leaning towards. Remember that I'm the designated partner and would prefer the main licensee do the shooting, unless necessary! Also, in temperatures below -35, I have experienced a few light strikes on the firing pin by the tikka, so I'm kind of biased against it, especially if it's very cold. Those light strikes have caused a misfire or two on coyotes. Neither of the other two rifles has been tested in the extreme cold. I'm leaning towards .280AI with 150gr TTSX or 7-08 with 140gr TTSX. Am I on the right track? Is this enough gun to put down a bison? Advice is appreciated. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
30.06 with 180gr partitions, 200gr bullets will be even better
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Hmmm. Never had issues with my Tikka in cold weather
I’d suggest the 30-06 with hand loaded 180 or 200 partitions Or Barnes ttsx |
Tikka with 200g partitions @ 2650. Strip the bolt, and clean it.
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If you hit them in the right spot they will go down even if it don’t kill them. Make lines between eye ear and horn. Pop them there and it will hit the vertebrae and they won’t go no where. If you try a body shot their heart is the size of a basketball, lungs way bigger then that and they have to lose an incredible amount of blood before they will die. I’ve only had to shoot one bison at work but coworkers who have shot dozens have never had one get away if you hit them between the eye ear and horn. FWIW I’d go 06 with at least 180s in a accubond or partition.
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30-06 with 200gr Accubond or TTSX would be my choices. Unless you want to buy a new rifle. Then I would use the chance to say a 338wm if you don’t have one or go get or school with 45-70
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30-06 with the heaviest ttsx it'll shoot, but get that bolt remedied, and test it until you are confident.
Or it's a great excuse to buy a 45-70 |
I second the 30-06 with 200 + grain quality bullet. Strip and clean the bolt and run it dry or with a high quality low temp lube.
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bison medicine
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These wood buffalo soak up a lot of lead if not hit just right. I put three 9.3x74r loads into mine before he went down. Two of the three shots were angling into the vitals and performed poorly. Three of them we have run across my shop scale (certified) all dressed in excess of 1000 pounds. While dressing my bull out, we also recovered a 180 gr. 30cal TSX bullet from the neck area. Expansion was fine, but it looked like the bullet had used all of it's energy getting through that 2" of hide! dont mess around with any opportunity you get for one of these monsters. Shoot the heaviest gun, with the heaviest load you are comfortable using. And place your shot well! |
If you have to use a 30-06, I also vote for a 200 grain Nosler Partition. Never had an issue with any of my Tikka's in very cold weather.
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Great reason to get a new gun:sHa_shakeshout: maybe a 375 H&H? |
Bison
Nothing less than 30 cal aloud thats what it says in booklet
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Thanks for the info -I wasn't aware of that. Looks like it makes my decision easy then: T3 30.06 with 180gr TTSX. The 7mm's will stay at home. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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I also saw you plan the 180gr TSX; this is also a good choice. Buffalo hide, bones and general size would be enough to cause a prime bull moose to check into rehab for anorexia. Their size and how they are built is AWE inspiring. |
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Would love to know more about this. What load was used, shot placement.... |
I agree with everyone here. The last thing you want to do is "pop" it with a small light round that sticks in it's hide. He's going to mad !!!!! and you could find yourself in for a real treat.
Based on your options - The 30-06 is the way to go, or borrow someone's bigger cartridge. Like other said - ideally a 375H&H (or 378 WBY ) in my mind with a nice heavy well constructed bullet. It's hard to compare a Bison to any other big game in North America - for the reasons mentioned about - they are like tanks. |
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they may recommend it |
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degrease your bolt
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You're right RF. Here's what I was sent: https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c174627675.jpg Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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Despite having a 375 H&H for work, this spring I used my SIG 716 in .308 using 180gr ammo in the method I advised and the buffy tipped right over. My gf father uses this method, his coworkers in the NPS use it, my coworkers in FWP and DOL use it. My tribal friends who hunt every year around Yellowstone use it...I could go on but what do they know. Combined all the above have taken well over several hundred of these "miniature" plains bison over their careers. To the OP like I said, make a triangle eye ear horn and put the bullet right there. Your 30.06 shooting 180-220s will be sufficient to drop it. You may require another shot to dispatch it but you won't be chasing all over the countryside. |
If i were you, I'd buy a nice HVA m98 in 9.3x62 with open sites from tradex.....
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