500MAG bullet choice for Maine Black Bear

[Redhawk1]

I will be going to Maine this year for a black bear hunt. I am going to use either my 4 inch S&W500 or my 6 inch BFR in 500MAG as my primary weapon. I am leaning toward my S&W500. Now all I have to decide is what bullet to use. I have 275 gr. Barnes, 350 gr. Hornady, 370 gr. cast with gas checks, 400 gr. with gas checks, 440 gr. cast performance, 575 gr. cast with gas checks. Which would you use?  I am leaning toward the 440 and 575 gr. cast bullets.  

[New Hampshire]

Well, Ill be honest.  The Blackies up here tend to run small compared to other blackie territory.  A real good bear up here is 250-300 lbs with 400 a god honest trophy.  So you dont necessarily have to go too tough, especially if your gonna bait or hound it (which I am assuming since those are the preferred methods up here.)  Even though bears are tough the ranges should be close.  So I would probably say the 350s are all you will need.  I dont know how the two preform out of your gun, but the Hornadys are solid preformers, and the cast bullets should whack them good.  Pick the one you like shooting better.
Brian M.

[OrangeWing]

I agree with the 350 grain.  Your not talking about browns.  If you can't put them down with the 350 grain then you have a real problem.