Black Bear vs M-14

sobo4303

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Here's one for all of you. I was asked to help out a rancher and get rid of a pesky bear which has taken a liking to some younger cattle. I thought it was a good opportunity to use the M14, but I have used 150 gr bullets to date.

Any ideas for recipes for heavier bullet in the M14? Otherwise will have to use my 30-06. I really like the idea of the open sights in the territory I will be in and the reliability of the quick second shot. I have really nice groupings with my existing recipes, but am a little leery with the lighter bullet.

Your thoughts?:D
 
Shooting heavy loads through your M14 will hurt the rifle... but you can get away with using heavy rounds if you disable the gas system, and use your m14 as a bolt action. There is a little screw near the gas system where the guard clips in, give it a turn and it will turn off your gas system. Pop in some 200gr and give that old bear a surprise.

150gr soft nose is sufficient to do the job. A well placed lung or heart shot will take him down in one shot....

but what fun is that? when you have 4 more rounds and 2 spare mags :evil:
 
I have no doubt that 150's will do the job

Black bears are not overly tough, more like a large pig than anything else Some 150gr SP will settle him nicely given proper shot placement. The meat is strong in flavor and makes good sausage and jerky. The heart is sort of behind the arm. Best bet is a broadside or quartering away. Happy hunting.
 
Haven't come across an animal that this 308 bullet has delivered on.

http://barnesbullets.myshopify.com/collections/tipped-tsxtm-bullet/
 
Thanks all!

Thanks all!

I'll keep you posted as to my outing. Mine really loves the 150 gr pills and with my filed sights, is pretty accurate at 300 yards. I use 165's with my 30-06 bolt on moose with very, very good results, just was not sure about the 150's.

After all, paper is a tad bit stationary and weaker than a live animal ;), and I do not as yet have any experience with the 150's in that regard.

Cheers!
 
If you want to run up to 168s they will be fine in the M14.
The concern over heavier bullets has more to do with the powder and impulse on the gas system...if you stick to a powder in the H/IMR 4895 range (and try not to burn up the velocity) you will be good to go.
 
If you want to run up to 168s they will be fine in the M14.
The concern over heavier bullets has more to do with the powder and impulse on the gas system...if you stick to a powder in the H/IMR 4895 range (and try not to burn up the velocity) you will be good to go.


168 and 165gn is all I use, never a problem.

168gn SMK + 41gn IMR 4895 is a common match load for service rifle
 
Black bears are not overly tough, more like a large pig than anything else Some 150gr SP will settle him nicely given proper shot placement. The meat is strong in flavor and makes good sausage and jerky. The heart is sort of behind the arm. Best bet is a broadside or quartering away. Happy hunting.

Totally agree with the above. Shot placement is everything. 150's will be fine if the shooter does his part. Bear makes an excellent chorizo sausage.
 
Here's one for all of you. I was asked to help out a rancher and get rid of a pesky bear which has taken a liking to some younger cattle. I thought it was a good opportunity to use the M14, but I have used 150 gr bullets to date.

Any ideas for recipes for heavier bullet in the M14? Otherwise will have to use my 30-06. I really like the idea of the open sights in the territory I will be in and the reliability of the quick second shot. I have really nice groupings with my existing recipes, but am a little leery with the lighter bullet.

Your thoughts?

Go get'em with your 150's ... that's my thought ... ;) Happy hunting!

Otokiak
Rankin Inlet, NU
CANADA
 
I know lots of guys that drop both Moose and Black Bears with a .270 shooting 150 gr bullets, so I'm sure a .308 and 150gr bullets will work just as good.

I doubt that a Bear will notice the difference between a 180 gr bullet and a 150 gr bullet. I won't like either on that much.
 
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