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

[DTM5]

Connected with my first bear this weekend, easy uphill shot, 120 meters away. I was shooting an X-Bolt in 30-06 loaded with 150 grain TTSX. Dime sized entry, slightly larger than Toonie exit. He took about 4 steps, moaned and then gave up, lungs were soup.

Congrats! I think I'm a fan of the Barnes bullets. I like the idea of lead free and almost total weight retention. Glad to hear you had a positive experience as well.

 

[Why not?]

Connected with my first bear this weekend, easy uphill shot, 120 meters away. I was shooting an X-Bolt in 30-06 loaded with 150 grain TTSX. Dime sized entry, slightly larger than Toonie exit. He took about 4 steps, moaned and then gave up, lungs were soup.

Now comes the best part; sausages and burger, smoked ribs and hams, bacon from the flank, and chops from the loins. Mmmmmmgood!

Congratulations!
Ted

 

[DTM5]

Hunting time is end of August....thought I'd rekindle this with the addition of 30-06 which my buddy is thinking of bringing! Let the opinions begin!

 

[Jim870]

I don't think you will get any different responses than last time. Traditional bullets 150-220 grains from the .30-06 have been knocking the stuffing out of Black Bears since shortly after it was introduced. Modern powders and bullets have only made it better. If I was shooting an all copper or gilding metal bullet it would be between 130 and 168 grains, there just isn't a need for heavier and lighter will get the velocity up into where they shine.
Pick a bullet that shoots, put that into the important bits and then the tough part begins.

 

[yomomma]

Hunting time is end of August....thought I'd rekindle this with the addition of 30-06 which my buddy is thinking of bringing! Let the opinions begin!

.308 with 30-06 as a back up with my 45-70 to back up the 30-06 and if all else fails I'll take my .223

 

[hoytcanon]

My opinion has not changed in the past 14 months.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

Since the 30-30 works just fine, any of the OP's choices will too.

 

[Boomer]

Choose the rifle that best suits the type of hunting you'll do. There's no point in telling you to pick one of the .30 caliber rifles if its fitted with a big power target scope and you're shooting from a tree stand 30 yards from a bait barrel, or gliding down a narrow stream in a canoe. Conversely, if you're hunting along a powerline or hunting a clear cut, the .358 might be found wanting if its fitted with a fixed 2X scope. Any of these rifles will be fine if they are a handy size, light enough to carry without causing undue fatigue, and if fitted with mid-power glass allows for making a close range snap shot, if the power is dialed down appropriately, or a long shot, if you have the skills to make it under the conditions at the moment.

 

[grit]

358 win with 225 woodleigh RN @2500 is amazing combo. In reality all 3 would work well, but the the 358 has the cool factor

 

[dan belisle]

35's make bigger holes generally. Bigger holes better. - dan

 

[Chuck]

Over the years I've shot black bears with .270, .30-06, .30-30, 35 Whelen, .375 H&H and a .45 Colt carbine. I never saw any difference in the effectiveness of them. In fact the only difference I've seen was when the bear was aware of my presence before I shot.

 

[grinrgrn]

Going to be over bait. Range will be 40-50m.

.358 would be my 1st choice over bait,but any of the 3 will do the job well.
If it was a spot n stalk hunt where longer shots are to be expected either of the .30s would be better suited.Personally,I’m a bit biased.always been a .30-06 guy vs .308 but whichever one you shoot best will do just fine.
Don’t overthink it.....any decent Whitetail cartridge is plenty of gun for black bears.