I realize that this subject has been done ad nauseam, but I just wanted to ask if any of you have ever shot a grizzly, with the bear either in undisturbed or menacing state (i.e. charging or about to attack mode) using a .30-'06 or .300 Winchester Magnum? What loads were used and how well did they perform? I am sometimes in the bush on the eastern slopes of the Rockies in ranching country, and these are the two rifles I have and am comfortable with. I'm thinking particularly of the Federal High Energy 180-grain TBBC for the .300, which has a muzzle energy rating of 3841 ft-lb., only 76 ft-lb short of the 225-grain .338 WM at 3917 ft-lb. Another possibility for the .300 is the Remington Safari Swift A-Frame 200-grain load, which has a muzzle energy of 3544 ft-lb. I'm not a hunter, and so want to evaluate my equipment in the light of the experiences of those who have actually been there. It seems that many of the gun writers insist on big magnums, but many older ranchers have also successfully used lesser calibres. I like the .300 as an all-around rifle for Alberta and wonder if it would do in a crunch. All info appreciated!
Actual Grizzly Shooting
- Thread starter albertacowboy
- Start date
When working in bear country the best rifle is one that you will have with you when you need it.I have a 375 that is great but is too big and beautiful to lug around at work so I take a benelli sluggun that seems quite rugged and am not afraid to bugger up.30-06 or 300 will work just have it with you and not in a truck when you are on foot.TRuthfullt I have had way more problems with damned black bears than grizzlies.Any gun makes a guy feel better in bear country but any gun also seems small in the face of a big grizz.
My friend has shot three grizzlies, including one that is an honest 8' bear. They were all shot with a .300 Win Mag and 220gr Nosler Partitions. Two were one shot kills, the other (the big one) was two shots. All three were relaxed bears. The big one was shot from a tree stand while waiting for a moose. The shot was quite steep and the bullet only took one lung out. The bear went a couple of hundred yards and then layed down. One extra shot was given as a finisher.
skit said:
never shot a grizz but had to put down a 7'1" blacky that a client shot in the ass, TWICE. took 3 350gr .458 slugs behind the shoulder to stop it.
somehow I think a pissed off grizz is going to require a little more.
My buddy had the LEh, so he shot him with a 7RM 160gr X bullet, in a load that I had worked up for him.
I followed up wiht my 375H&H with 300gr Partitions, but it was completley unessesary.
X bullet went through both shoulders, he dropped like a sack of hammers.
I shot as insurance, but like I said- unecesary. X bullets work very well. One more reason to use good bullets...
I followed up wiht my 375H&H with 300gr Partitions, but it was completley unessesary.
X bullet went through both shoulders, he dropped like a sack of hammers.
I shot as insurance, but like I said- unecesary. X bullets work very well. One more reason to use good bullets...
Why not? said:You definitely have that right, especially with big bears!
Ted
...with most game. I've seen tough animals hit right with the first shot go down for the count immediately. I've also seen not so "tough" animals absorb LOTS of lead after the poor initial hit.
- Location
- Lakes District BC
so many people whome have never shot one with so many opinions on how they die ...... lol
