Author Topic: black bear hunting caliber size?  (Read 1553 times)

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Offline msorenso

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black bear hunting caliber size?
« on: January 23, 2005, 09:04:09 AM »
I know you guys get sick of these types of questions but I am look for a range from smallest to biggest for caliber to hunt black bear.  I am going with a group that is taking theirs with bow, but since it is my first time I will use a rifle.  I am looking at a 350 rem mag with no scope?  Is this to much?  Thanks for all the help! :D
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Offline bigbore442001

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black bear hunting caliber size?
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2005, 09:07:30 AM »
I would say so. Where are you going? My dad killed his first black bear with his 30-06 using factory ammunition. Dropped dead on the spot. I have killed three with handguns so far. All have died within 20 yards. I wouldn't worry one bit. If you have a deer rifle already, use that with a heavier bullet.

Say you have a 30-06. Use a 180 grain bullet. As with all game, it is where you put the round.

Offline msorenso

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black bear hunting caliber size?
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2005, 09:23:42 AM »
I am going North of Prince Albert Canada.
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Offline oso45-70

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Bear Hunting
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2005, 09:30:02 AM »
Msorenso,

 Your 350 Rem Mag will do just fine, No such thing as too much gun, Dead is Dead and thats what you want. Have a good hunt......Joe.........
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Offline Daveinthebush

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Yes
« Reply #4 on: January 23, 2005, 09:40:11 AM »
Yes the .350 will be fine.  There are grizz there too.

You have to be prepared for not what you're going to hunt, but what is going to hunt you!

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Offline Lawdog

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Re: Yes
« Reply #5 on: January 23, 2005, 01:16:36 PM »
Quote from: Daveinthebush
Yes the .350 will be fine.  There are grizz there too.

You have to be prepared for not what you're going to hunt, but what is going to hunt you!

 :biggun:


I agree with "Daveinthebush" completely.  Use the .350 and don't worry about what others may say.  Lawdog
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Offline Redhawk1

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Re: black bear hunting caliber size?
« Reply #6 on: January 23, 2005, 05:23:05 PM »
Quote from: msorenso
I know you guys get sick of these types of questions but I am look for a range from smallest to biggest for caliber to hunt black bear.  I am going with a group that is taking theirs with bow, but since it is my first time I will use a rifle.  I am looking at a 350 rem mag with no scope?  Is this to much?  Thanks for all the help! :D


The 350 rem mag will be just fine, I have seen a lot of guys use there 375H&H. Go with what make you comfortable. :D
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Offline Spyro Andes

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black bear hunting caliber size?
« Reply #7 on: January 24, 2005, 09:04:14 PM »
Your 350 was built for this very use...  Killing big animals at close ranges.  So not only is it ok, it is the designed use of that gun.

As for the smallest  that I'd recommend,  for the black bears that we hunt, between 500-800 pounds, would be a 30-06.

Offline pastorp

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black bear hunting caliber size?
« Reply #8 on: January 26, 2005, 05:01:46 PM »
Spyro, Just curious, but where do you hunt those 800# black bears? Byron
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Offline James B

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black bear hunting caliber size?
« Reply #9 on: February 01, 2005, 05:55:19 PM »
I am stuck on the 45-70 for all bears of all size. Never had it fail. I usually use the 350 grain Hornady Round nose at about 1950 pfs. I also like the LBT bullets in 400+ grains.
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Offline ratherbefishin

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black bear hunting caliber size?
« Reply #10 on: February 16, 2005, 08:30:22 AM »
I'm happy with my 6.5x55 swede-and you put one broadside right on the shoulder,and the bear is going down right there.If I was anywhere where there were grizzlies I'd probably want the 350 though, but many a polar bear was killed with the swede-they have a very high secional density and are far more efficient than one might think.

Offline NYH1

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Re: Yes
« Reply #11 on: August 14, 2005, 09:18:29 AM »
Quote from: Daveinthebush
Yes the .350 will be fine.  There are grizz there too.

You have to be prepared for not what you're going to hunt, but what is going to hunt you!

 :biggun:


Daveinthebush is the 350 Remington Mag. adequate for the Grizz? Not that I'm ever going to hunt the Grizz, but I have been thinking about getting a 350 Rem. Mag. and I just want to know the capabilities of the cartridge!
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Offline Thebear_78

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black bear hunting caliber size?
« Reply #12 on: August 14, 2005, 11:49:28 AM »
pretty much any decent deer rifle will work for black bear.  Starting with a 243 or 2506 on up.  The biggest black bear I have ever seen was shot with a 100gr nosler out of  a 243.  You see precious few black bear over 400lbs.   The 350 would do a dandy job with a good 200-250gr bullet.  I've been pretty impressed with the 225 Sierra and 250gr hornady RN out of my whelen.  THe 250gr hornady RN is fairly short so that should help with reducing the case capasity of that short 350 rem COL.

Offline Lawdog

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black bear hunting caliber size?
« Reply #13 on: August 14, 2005, 01:37:15 PM »
New York Hunter,

Quote
is the 350 Remington Mag. adequate for the Grizz?


The .350 Rem. Mag. will, of course, kill a Grizzly but I wouldn't use mine for hunting Grizzly.  Too many other better choices to choose from.

pastorp,

Quote
Just curious, but where do you hunt those 800# black bears?


More states than you would believe.  The record Black Bear weighted 880 pounds and was taken in Craven County, North Carolina.  The second heaviest came from northeastern Minnesota weighed 876 pounds and was taken on September 5, 1994.  More and more Black Bears weighting over 600 pounds are being taken every year.  State records are falling all the time.  An unverified one weighting over 925 pounds was taken just a couple of year ago.  Lawdog
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Offline Thebear_78

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black bear hunting caliber size?
« Reply #14 on: August 14, 2005, 02:20:43 PM »
I think that your 350 rem mag with a good quality bullet, barnes, kodiak bonded, northfork...from 225-250grs, would do just fine for hunting griz.  The interior bears don't get anywhere near as big as thier coastal counterparts.  a 250gr 35 cal bullet @ 2400fps  is definately adequate for any griz and probably any brown bear in normal hunting conditions but you might want something a little more powerful if heading into the alders after a wounded bear.

Offline TOMMYY01

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black bear hunting caliber size?
« Reply #15 on: August 14, 2005, 10:07:43 PM »
For me, I'll use my 45-70 handi with 405 gr coreloks. And just to make sure, it will be a headshot. :wink: Sorry, but going to hunt something that can eat you, I'll go for the memory banks. :toast:
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