Bear Rifle Suggestions?

Wookie316

Wookie316

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I'm getting into this Bear hunting now and think it's time to build a Bear rifle (Blacks not Griz). Since I have a L61R standard face Sako action and a Brown Precision Classic style stock already just sitting around, I figure it's about time to build a Bear rig.

My 338 Gaillard will work, but the exit hole it makes is a lot less than desireable even with a premium bullet like a Barnes X. Bears are a little different where you want to kill them, but not tear a big hole in the hide on the other side. I love it for Moose & Elk, but Bears is another story.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=331106

I am really leaning to a 338/06 because I have a huge 338 bullet selection. A 9.3x62 or 35 Whelen would not be out of the question either. All have similar ballistics with similar bullet weights.

A friend of mine really likes his Lever 444 & 450 for Bears and wants me to go that route, but I am really trying to use what I have already. Plus I just am a bolt guy at heart.

Any experiences or input would be appreciated.
 
realizing the fact the any deer rifle from 243 on up will work for black bears...but,..also realizing that most guys like a bigger bore for a bear rifle,..whether it's needed or not is another question...but we all have our favorite "numbers.....on a standard face bolt rifle I'd build a 35 Whelen for a bear rifle...bet there aren't very many 35 Whelen Sakos out there....but a 338-06 would do if that's a favorite "number"...
 
I've hunted black bears for many years. I've shot more with a .308 than any other caliber, but that's just me. Any of the calibers you suggested would be great. If you've got lots of .338 dia bullets handy then the 338/06 would make an ideal black bear caliber if you ask me.
 
If you go 338-06 make sure you long throat it to take advantage of the Sako's long mag. Oh ya, and shoot real bullets not those sub 200 gr. freak shows.
 
MTM said:
If you go 338-06 make sure you long throat it to take advantage of the Sako's long mag. Oh ya, and shoot real bullets not those sub 200 gr. freak shows.
Click to expand...

hear hear....no sense making a 338 bore and shooting bullet weights that you can shoot in a 30 bore....338 and 35 bullets start at 225's IMHO, OK,..maybe 210's in 338........anything lighter and you may as well shoot a 30 caliber...and a 30-06 might just work for a bear gun too....:D
 
Hi there, I'm sure anything 338 "ish" will be great for bear. However, I never miss a chance to make my case for the relatively unpopular 35 cal stuff. I don't care if it's the 35 Rem, 358 Win, 350 Rem Mag or the Whelan. They are all great choices for bear in my opinion. (But then again, I love the 45-70 too!!!) Good luck friend.
 
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