factory 30-06 load for bear ?

tch1717

tch1717

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so i'm going bear hunting for the first time in northern ontario this fall, i figured i would honour my dad and use his hand-me-down scoped 30-06 bolt gun (that last time it was ever shot was , in the late 70's, early 80's when he used it for moose), my question is, what would be a good factory load for this rifle ? i plan on putting a newer scope on it right soon (one off of another rifle i own), and put quite a few rounds through it (obviousily after a THOROUGH cleaning and oiling, the rifle is still in mint shape), but i have never hunted with this calibre before, what do you guys recommend ?
 
in reality any 150gr+ psp or hollowpoint non varmint bullet from the big three will work well if you do your part. Use what shoots best or is known as available in the area you are hunting.
 
my 30-06 loves winchester black box 168gr

43.99 at walmart.

never shot a bear with it but hits deer and moose with lots of POW!

and I think the 168gr should work fine for you and wont break the bank.
 
lots of good factory 30-06 ammo out there...more loaded with good bullets now than ever...I find the Federal load with the 165 TSX shot well in my 30-06...that will work on the biggest bear you are likely to come across...assuming good shot placement of course...
 
I like heavy bullets, too. 180 grains on bear and moose is the lightest I use now. But I shot many with 165 grainers. I agree with the Federal ammos, but in reality any cheap 180 grain soft point will do a very good job on bears.
 
any decent bullet in the 165 to 180gr range from a 30-06 will cleanly kill a bear.

black bears are very easy to kill, with proper shot placement. especially at Ontario ranges.
 
Where are you going in northern ontario? Because if you're going to be around timmins or cochrane drop me a PM and we'll get a beer or coffee or a turkey sandwich or something. I always like to meet fellow CGNers.

Are you going to be in a stand hunting over a bait or hunting fields/logging roads? I'd suggest if you're going to be hunting in a tree stand and shooting 30 yards max then it doesn't really matter what bullet you use. As already stated, the big 3 all make good factory cartridges that'll end up doing the job quite nicelly. If you're going to be shooting distance then i'd stick with the 165 grainers for flatter shooting. Have fun on the hunt.

Dorian
 
Heck almost anything that you used to sight in the rifle 150 grains and up. I prefer the 180's for everything big game. No need for premiums, but if it makes you feel good, enjoy!
 
I agree that you don't NEED a premium, that is why I like Fusions as they are usually the same price as the regular bullets and they really hold together well.
 
Dorian Gray said:
Where are you going in northern ontario? Because if you're going to be around timmins or cochrane drop me a PM and we'll get a beer or coffee or a turkey sandwich or something. I always like to meet fellow CGNers.

Are you going to be in a stand hunting over a bait or hunting fields/logging roads? I'd suggest if you're going to be hunting in a tree stand and shooting 30 yards max then it doesn't really matter what bullet you use. As already stated, the big 3 all make good factory cartridges that'll end up doing the job quite nicelly. If you're going to be shooting distance then i'd stick with the 165 grainers for flatter shooting. Have fun on the hunt.

Dorian
Click to expand...

my buddy and i are hunting Manitoulin Island ( a friends dad owns a rustic campground up there, and offered us a free cabin), and yes i realize that this is not REALLY northern Ontario, but it's still 8 hours from home (if you count the Chi-Cheemaun !!)...regardless, should be a good time....if nothing else , a week away from the wife and kids !!LOL
 
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