caliber,barrel length and bear questions

[SAS98M]

309JDJ-14" barrel on a Contender G2 for N.E.Pa. black bear......Would you ? Wouldn't you ? Why and or Why not ??      Interested in what you all have to say.....
 
I know that in the Pa.woods especially bear season sometimes real quick target acquisition is a must-understood but with that already in mind......        Thanks in advance.SAS

[Lloyd Smale]

sure would. Ive killed a few with 3030s and the 309 has a bit more then that. Contrary to what all the internet comandos want you to think about how dangerous and tough black bears are in my experience there no harder to kill then whitetail.

[Ken ONeill]

A full power .309 with 165's is the equivalent of a .308 Win., so yes, I would, if hunting from a stand as I assume you would be, in Pa.
Personally, however, I prefer a .475 Linebaugh with 400 gr bullets for bears. Scoped, with a 2X Leupold from a stand or spot & stalk, iron sights if using dogs.

[SAS98M]

Yeah,kinda what I figured.... Around here there are some "big guys" but most 250-400# . I kinda feel the same way about the reference to nearly the same as deer and load choice..... Again a well placed shot is the key. Also taking into concideration time to place the afforementioned shot.  I do load and have been target shooting just about "fullhouse" 165-168 grn. Noslers and doing real well with them,I think the 309 will be in the bear woods at least for a couple days this year. Thanks . SAS

[Fire Fox]

The 309 JDJ with a good controlled expansion bullet 150 to 165 gr will work very well on bear and bigger game. I like the 150 gr interbond hornady bullet. This bullet has good expansion and penetration. Hope this helps.

[mcwoodduck]

There is a difference between hunting and self protection.  Self protection you want multiple rounds as the bear is hunting you.
Most animals when shot are going to run.  If you feel confidant in making a kill shot with the 309 then go for it.
 

[Ladobe]

On the ranch I grew up on Win 94 30 Guns were used for all big game, including bears.   They were plenty with a well placed shot, and I never saw a black bear charge either.   So a 309JDJ (I've had two 14" SSK's) would do just fine - just pick your shots.