Vancouver Island Bear Hunt...caliber concerns

[blairstev]

Hi all,  any  advice,  comment  or  opinion is very  much  appreciated here. I  am  heading  to  Vancouver Island  in 30  days  for  a  Black Bear Hunt  of  a lifetime  with  Jim Shockeys  outfit. My  concern  or  question is this,  the  largest  caliber  gun I  own is  a  Winchester 300WSM. Is  this  sufficient  for  what  are  renown  for  being  large  Black Bears?

I  also  have  a Marlin 336C in 35 Remington,  but  that's  not  scoped,  nor  probably  good  beyond 75 to 100 yards.

I  had  intended  on bringing  my  300WSM,  along  with  Winchester 180 grain "fail safes"  which  is the  largest  and heaviest  factory  ammo  available  for  this  caliber.

Help...I want this trip  to  be a  success.

[Robert]

Definately the 300.  You want enough power to break through the front shoulder if needed.  Black Bears really aint that tuff..a 30-06 is plenty, but the I would not bank on a 35 Remington.  They just do not have the knock-down power, and are famous for misfires.

[Redhawk1]

Your 300WSM will work just fine with those Winchester 180 grain "fail safes" . Now let us know how you make out.  

[Lawdog]

blairste,

Take the .300 WSM and don’t worry.  I would take Federal Premium Vital Shok, load number P300WSMF, loaded with 180 gr. TSX BT for your .300 WSM.  It will penetrate better than the Winchester 180 grain "fail safes in my opinion and I believe the accuracy is even better too.  Available most anywhere where Federal ammo is sold.  I have great faith in Federal ammo.  Lawdog
 

[Spyro Andes]

I  am  heading  to  Vancouver Island  in 30  days  for  a  Black Bear Hunt  of  a lifetime  with  Jim Shockeys  outfit. My  concern  or  question is this,  the  largest  caliber  gun I  own is  a  Winchester 300WSM. Is  this  sufficient  for  what  are  renown  for  being  large  Black Bears?

I  had  intended  on bringing  my  300WSM,  along  with  Winchester 180 grain "fail safes"  which  is the  largest  and heaviest  factory  ammo  available  for  this  caliber.

Most outfitters that hunt the large coastal black bears of that region have a "30-06 w/ a premium 180 gr bullet and up" rule for their hunters.

Your 300 WSM will be more than up to the task.

The Barnes X-Bullets (TSX as well) are VERY GOOD bullets and have proven themselves.

The Swift A-Frame is another proven performer.

As is the Trophy Bonded Bear Claw.

You stick with loadings that use one of these bullets and you'll be more than ready.

SA

PS.  Don't be one of these guys that sacrifices bullet terminal performance for slightly better accuaracy.  Remember, these bears are big, they offer a big target and need to be hit hard as well.

[eroyd]

Vancouver Island has great Black Bear opportunties, I'm fortunate to be a resident here. Any 300 mag is plenty of gun. Shot placement is more important. I have seen and know of other's that have shot bears with 338 mags and had the bear go off running. On the other hand I've seen them dropped in their tracks with a careful shot from a 270 win.

Our bears can be big, you want to break them with a solid shoulder hit, the first shot. Don't attempt the mediocre shots you may use on deer. Due to terrain and cover, a not totally disabled bear may not offer a quick follow up shot. Most hunting around here is spot and stalk so you should be able to hold out for a perfect shot opp.

Good Luck!

[victorcharlie]

Are you kidding me?  A .35 not enough for black bears?

[Sourdough]

The .35 Remington has plenty of what it takes for those bears, except range.  If the shot will be under 150 yards the .35 Rem would do.  But since you got the .300 WSM take it!  The .300 gives you the knockdown and the range.  Actually, let me back-up and regroup.  Take the one you shoot the best.  Both are adequate.