Wolf - pelt damage - rifle ??

A

AK HUNTER

New member
So I'm in a quandary over what caliber to get for a dedicated wolf rifle. I know that many calibers will do just fine, but being type A- I want the "perfect" caliber and rifle - ha. Most of my wolf hunting is while running my trap line where most shots would be under 300 yards. I would also like the rifle to effectively take caribou out to say 400 yards. I guess I'm looking for the fastest, flattest shooting caliber that will still minimize pelt damage on a wolf for times that I hunt wide open country. I realize the type of bullet will also play a large role in pelt damage.

I've taken wolves with my .204, 300 WSM, and a .22 long rifle. I'm leery that a not so well placed shot from my .204 will end up wounding and loosing a wolf. Anybody have any experience with really light bullets in a 300 WSM?

I'd like to hear from people that have shot some wolves and what caliber/bullet they used and the resulting pelt damage. How fast is too fast (fps) for shooting wolves and minimizing pelt damage?

I'm looking hard at a Tikka T3 Lite in .243 or maybe a 25-06. The bonus with the 26-06 is that I have a lot of once-fired brass for reloading and the action is the same length for both calibers in the Tikka. If you can't tell, I'm really looking for an excuse to buy a new rifle!!
 
When I made my "Ultimate Wolf Rifle" it was in .308 which would also fill the bill for your needs. I think that your choice of a Tikka in either .243 or 25-06 would also be great. In my opinion the .204 is not at all up to the task unless shots are surgically placed on a broadside wolf, which in my experience is never the situation. I killed my first one with a .375 Ruger and there was not any excessive pelt damage (nor would I expect it with a heavily constructed 270gr big game bullet). I would stick with heavy for caliber bullets and I think damage will be minimized. Better to have the taxidermist sew up a small hole than lose a wolf that was shot with a light caliber rifle. "Needing" a new rifle is certainly a fun problem to have. Good luck!
 
I have no wolf hunting experience and I am very jealous that you get the chance to do it, that's awesome! I have however watched one of my hunting partners take several coyotes with the 25-06 shooting the 117 gr Hornady SST. Hits them like lightening and the biggest exit hole I have seen it leave was big enough to fit maybe two fingers in. I would think it would perform just as good or better on a wolf, but I definately can't say that for sure...just assume. Good luck on the hunt...for gun and wolf!

Shelton
 
I have been lucky enough to shoot two wolves in my lifetime (not counting trapped ones). Both were taken with a .270, with 130 grain bullets. One was about fifty yards,and the other 310 yards. Wolf skin is tough, and a solid hit is unlikely to cause much damage. Both of mine went clean through, with a minimal exit wound. One was quartering, facing me, the 310 yarder was lying down, more or less broadside, but facing me. Yeah, they were both looking right at me!

I would say the .243 would be an excellent choice, but the .270 might be better for caribou. 25.06 is right in there. I guess what I'm saying is I wouldn't worry much about pelt damage, with a centered shot. A grazing wound with anything is another matter.

Trapped wolves were killed with a .22 LR, broadside, just behind the shoulder, or a .22 Hornet to the chest on a facing shot. Shoot a trapped wolf in the chest with a .22 LR facing shot, and he will glance down at where the bullet hit then look back up at you, and never flinch.

Good luck! If you think coyote hunting is exciting, wolf hunting is a drug!
 
Good feedback. I'm thinking that blowing holes in wolves isn't going to be much of an issue given there thick hides and fur.

I'm leery of a semi-auto because my rifle is slung over my back when I ride my snowmachine. The light powder snow flies everywhere and will cover the gun. I had an issue with that last winter and missed a wolf partly because of a mechanical failure and partly because I got wolf fever! Going to stick with a bolt gun...
 
I was going to use a 6.5 Grendel for my wolf hunt. It's not a 25/06 but I think it's a good AR-15 caliber. I've heard the Ar-10 308 is a good one as well. Make sure to post some pics when you get one.
 
Originally Posted By: AK HUNTERGood feedback. I'm thinking that blowing holes in wolves isn't going to be much of an issue given there thick hides and fur.

I'm leery of a semi-auto because my rifle is slung over my back when I ride my snowmachine. The light powder snow flies everywhere and will cover the gun. I had an issue with that last winter and missed a wolf partly because of a mechanical failure and partly because I got wolf fever! Going to stick with a bolt gun...

the ar-15 and ar-10 are battle rifles a little water isn't going to hurt anything. keep the bolt shut when riding and you will be fine. if you decide to go with a bolt gun I would get something in a plastic stock and short barrel with a fast bolt so you can reload faster. I don't know much about wolfs but they are pack animals and very large and dangerous so I wouldn't be messing with them with a popgun or bolt gun. the AR platforms are built to handle the extremes. they also make cases that mount onto the side of the machine you can open up and pull the gun out.
 
ohihunter2014 I don't know much about wolfs but they are pack animals and very large and dangerous so I wouldn't be messing with them with a popgun or bolt gun. [/quote said:
A man just has to know his limitations
smile.gif


Click to expand...
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top