Is a Hornady SST Bullet good for bear ?

[Adrian J Hare]

I don't hunt Big Game much with Hornady, so I'm not up on the bullet types for large game and the rep does not want to text me back so I'm in need of some info here.

I plan on using a 243 on a bear and wondered if the SST bullet would work at short range.

 

[medvedqc]

no or yes, depending where the bullet hit your bear.

 

[rembolt]

Will it work yes . However its not the cartridge nor the bullet I would set out to kill a bear with . if you got to use the 243 go up to the 100gr soft point type bullet . just my opinion .

 

[hoytcanon]

With a .243 I would use a 95 Partition or a mono-metal... the SST will do the job, but I have less confidence in it at higher velocities, particularly if you contact bone. My advice is; take out the lungs.

 

[bbobie]

Yes it will but I would go the 90 grain partition way as stated earlier

 

[propliner]

SST's are neither renowned for their thick jackets nor penetrating ability. They have a reputation for fragmenting. I'd go with with a more proven hunting bullet as mentioned.

 

[Trapper79]

100 gr Hornady Interlock = poor man's partition. Better option than the SST.

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

If you are at the store and you have a choice just grab a bonded or partition type bullet , for a difference of $0.15 a shot you can have a premium bullet.

Best increase in insurance I could recommend for the price.

I USED to use SST's.

 

[nowarningshot]

Rather frangible choice. Something stouter, for better penetration. The 243, would be at the low end of Bear calibers. A premium bullet even at twice the cost is cheap insurance, compared to say fuel, equipment, or precious time off.

 

[prairie lover]

I shot my biggest and first black bear with a 150 gr sst from a 270. baiting ranges. 2 chest hits, no exits. fat fall bear. shot tougher bullets at them from then on and always exits from then on.

 

[Adrian J Hare]

Thanks Guys guess I'll be buying another box of shells

 

[DiabeticKripple]

barnes ttsx

 

[Eagleye]

I have shot a lot of game with the 6mm Reminton. [similar to your 243] And I do not like frangible bullets like the SST.
Penetration is often compromised, something you would rather not experience with a bear.
I favor the 95/100 Partitions, but the monometals also work well close in. [TTSX, GMX, E-Tip, etc.]
Have a great hunt!! D.

 

[BigUglyMan]

I would say that is two bad decisions. 243 wouldn't be close to my first choice for cartridge and SST would be far from my first choice of bullet. Easier to change the bullet than the rifle. Find some Partitions.

 

[ted84]

Hornady SST Superformance 180gr in .300WINMag
Heart Shots to Black Bears (Large Fall Bears)
50m and 150m range
2 confirmed kills dropped in the spot
so yes with the right shot placement very effective

 

[Dogleg]

Considerable difference between a .300 and a 243 though. Easy to go with a soft bullet when you start out with twice as much of it.

 

[hawk-i]

IMHO, t he sst's will work just fine from your 243 as long as you wait for the proper shot and you're capable of putting the bullet where you want to ....if you're the type that has to plug them from azzhole to brisket you will most likely benefit from using a premium bullet.
Black bears are neither thick skinned or hard to kill.. ..that being said, there is no disadvantages to using premium bullets.

 

[bearkilr]

I've seen a few bears shot with SST's and they performed OK, but that was with cartridges like 30-06 and the like, and bullets in the 150-180 grain range. They wouldn't be my choice for a faster cartridge or for bear in a light bullet. And I wouldn't recommend a 243 with any bullet on bear. Sure it can be done, but why limit yourself to waiting for a perfect shot when something as simple as a 308 with any 180 gr. will do so much better.

 

[Why not?]

Will it work yes . However its not the cartridge nor the bullet I would set out to kill a bear with . if you got to use the 243 go up to the 100gr soft point type bullet . just my opinion .

Roger that!

SST's are neither renowned for their thick jackets nor penetrating ability. They have a reputation for fragmenting. I'd go with with a more proven hunting bullet as mentioned.

Never used them myself, but have seen and heard the same results.

Thanks Guys guess I'll be buying another box of shells

Good idea.



Friend of mine's wife with her first bear. Nogged him from about 80 yards, IIRC. Took a single shot from her Rem 600 243 using the 100 gr Winchester Power Point factory load.



So, it can be done, but certainly not the best choice. Norm had his 30-06, and I had my 9.3X62.
Ted

 

[hoytcanon]

You should also note that black bears can also present almost like two entirely different species in both size and tenacity... many people have only experienced jeuvenile bears in the 100-200 pound range, but there is always the possiblity of coming across a bear 3-4 times that size. A 500+ pound bear can be a completely different "kettle of fish" to deal with. While I would have no concern with your .243 and 95 SST's on a broadside lung shot on a 200 pound bear, it is most definitely not what I would want to be holding when a 600 pound brute ambled by... arm yourself for the best (or worst) case scenario, IMO.