50 cal encore bear load?

[BIG JAKE]

Any load recommendations from personal experiences?

[Thebear_78]

I have used the 250gr barnes expander MZ on a moose.  From its performance I would imagine it would work equally well on bears.  For really big bears you might want to consider one of the new barnes 400gr "buster" bullets.  It is a full copper jacket around a lead core, we cross sectioned one and the jacked was very thick.  Find a sabot that those will fit in and go from there.  It ought to be a penetrating SOB.

[BIG JAKE]

Thanks I'll give them a try.

[efremtags]

are you hunting over bait or spot and stalk.

If shootin over bait, havier is better at 20-30 yards typical. I used 280Gr hardcast last year with 85gr of BH209, about equivalent to a 454 casul.

Spot and stalk, I would go with the Hornady FPB, Thors or any 300GR sabot load with a good jacket. Any of those will work well. Keep shots off the shoulder.

[BIG JAKE]

Thanks it is over bait and I only go for a double lung shot. Can't run far if they can't breath.

[nhdog]

For hunting bear over bait you can't beat using Barnes Expander MZ either 250 or 300 gr. I've used them several times. You'll only hear three sounds, your gun going off, the bullet hitting your bear, followed very quickly by his death groan. For that type of a hunt they can't be beat. You haven't got to worry about tracking a wounded bear.They get the job done no matter how big a bear you're looking for.

[Bearman II]

300 GR Barnes Original,use orange HPH 50x458 MMP sabots.Or Barnes Spit Fire T-EZ 290 grain Flat Base,the 290 gr is all copper,I use a MMP HPH-24 sabot.They are the most devastating on large bear you can use,seen many kills with these two.    Terry

[BIG JAKE]

Thanks agian I'll try them.

[Sourdough]

I use three pellets of triple seven and Power Belt, 245gr, Aero Tip bullets.  Works for me, and I get good range with this load.  I use an Encore, my partner uses the same load with a Knight.