Bear Rifle Suggestions?

6.5 x55mm, 270 Win., 280 Rem., 7mm-08, 7mm Mauser, 308 Win, 30-06, .303 British, 7.62x54R, 8x57mm, .338-06, 358 Win., 338-06, 35 Whelen, 45-70. Or equivalent all good.

Anything a little less powerful is slightly lacking, anything more powerful is overpowered for what you need.
 
Any .30 calibre (168 gr and up) will do. I only do head shots. They make a horrible wailing bear crying noise when you #### up a shot. Spend lots of time practising at the range shooting with no bench. Its more shot placement that counts than using a big cartridge.
 
.358 win, .338 fed, .35 whelen, .338-06, whatever floats your boat...

FWIW, I'd build whatever I felt like having, not just because there is a box of bullets on the shelf...With a $2000+ custom, what's another $100 for more bullets?
 
PIC00067.jpg


One of these will smoke any blackie on the continent, and likely do a number on most bigger bears as well.
 
bear gun

Jamiejaf has it right, from my point of view. any .30 cal with punch you are comfortable shooting would get the job done. Shot placement & timely delivery are what worked for me in the past. If you are comfortable with the round & action, can put it where it needs to be consistently, you are in the green. I have had poor luck with a marlin guide gun in 444. Jammed during a wounded charge and I had to put down a 6 1/2 foot griz with a .45. Personally, I'd pick a .30 something that I'd be comfy with, practice running 50 yards up hill with gear on then make off-hand shots into a 4" ring at 40 yards. It will take some practice, but then you are ready for most anything. I personally stay away from head shots and go for the shoulder or back. Once the running gear is out and mobility is limited, your options open up considerably. However, if you can get it before a head of steam is worked up, it is so much easier and less stress. Again, this is only my opinion based on my experience.
Cheers,
Mike
 
When I got home from work I had a surprise waiting for me. The rest of the parts I need for my action finally arrived from Stoeger. Now I'm antsi to get a rig built. Anyone have a 338, 35 or 9.3 barrel out there?
 
458 win mag ? 50 BMG ? 23 mm anti-aircraft ??? Jesus guys. Come on. A .308 is the univeral adjustible wrench of the north american hunting world. It'll do just fine on black bears. In fact, if you can't kill a black bear with a .308, you can't kill em with a 50 BMG either since you're such a terrible shot, you need to turn in your license.
 
blacksmithden said:
458 win mag ? 50 BMG ? 23 mm anti-aircraft ??? Jesus guys. Come on. A .308 is the univeral adjustible wrench of the north american hunting world. It'll do just fine on black bears. In fact, if you can't kill a black bear with a .308, you can't kill em with a 50 BMG either since you're such a terrible shot, you need to turn in your license.
Click to expand...

I completely agree with you. What is with these massive cartridges? are you planning on shoting this thing at 600yds plus?
 
blacksmithden said:
458 win mag ? 50 BMG ? 23 mm anti-aircraft ??? Jesus guys. Come on. A .308 is the univeral adjustible wrench of the north american hunting world. It'll do just fine on black bears. In fact, if you can't kill a black bear with a .308, you can't kill em with a 50 BMG either since you're such a terrible shot, you need to turn in your license.
Click to expand...

The 23mm is also a pretty effective anti-personnel weapon. Pierces light armored vehicles with ease. Bears too.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom