.308 vs .358 vs 30-06 for black bear...Opinions please!

[DTM5]

I've booked my second bear hunt with a friends and my son(s) and I'm pumped! Now to choose the tools......

I'm debating between .308 and .358 and 30-06. Will be shooting .308 Barnes TTSX (168gr for the .308, 225gr for the .358 and 168gr for the .30-06)

What say you? Pros and cons please.

 

[Dogleg]

I wouldn't worry about the exit hole, you'll never see it.

 

[The Outsider]

Either caliber would be fine.

 

[IvoB]

Bear don't care as long as its quick

 

[brybenn]

Ive always found a late fall bear has a better hide myself

 

[mine]

I've shot several black bears using 168 grain ballistic silvertip bullet out of my .308 BLR , all fell within 50 feet, all shot behind the shoulder, no exit wounds.

 

[blasted_saber]

Why not both?

 

[Boomer]

Why not both?

Its slow and complicates one's cheek weld.

 

[Dogleg]

I'd ditch the TSXs.

 

[hoytcanon]

Either would do... I would choose the .358 and, as Dogleg says, "ditch the TSX." On bears you will get a quicker happy ending with a cup & core RN or SP

 

[GOUMFACH]

Either would do... I would choose the .358 and, as Dogleg says, "ditch the TSX." On bears you will get a quicker happy ending with a cup & core RN or SP

....x2....

 

[John Y Cannuck]

The 308 has all kinds of power for Black bear. I'll be taking a 308, and a 30-30 to walk with.

 

[gelatine]

Personally, I like the old way "The bigger the BETTER".

 

[Gopo]

P308E
Large, Heavy Game 308 Win. 180 2570 Nosler® Partition®
★★★★★
★★★★★ 5 out of 5 stars. Read reviews.

P308S
Medium Game 308 Win. 150 2840 Nosler® Partition®
★★★★★
★★★★★ 4 out of 5 stars. Read reviews.

 

[fraserdw]

Ive always found a late fall bear has a better hide myself

This, spring bear is scragily.

 

[Dogleg]

This, spring bear is scragily.

NAFA doesn't agree.

 

[hoytcanon]

NAFA doesn't agree.

Neither do I...

 

[the spank]

9 out of 10 bears recommend .358......

 

[daka]

Used .308 Win Norma Vulcan 180gr, no complaints...

 

[kamlooky]

I'd use the 180 or 200's in the .358.
Less bullet lawbing.