308

[APEX PREDATOR]

Ok so i asked if a 308 would be good for black bear.But would you in with a 308 handi rifle? I'm getting one and im goin to use it for PA black bear. I was worring about a quick back up shot?

[Redhawk1]

I have taken 6 Black bear, 2 with a handgun and 4 with a rifle. Everyone died with just one shot. Make your first shot count, and you won't have to worry about a follow up shot. Most of the time where I hunted, you would only get one shot, and the bear was back in the woods.

I would use a 165 or 180 gr bullet as well. You want a good bullet construction, and one that will penetrate. Also pick good optics for low light or longer shots. Good hunting and best of luck to you. 

[drdougrx]

Of course it will work!  Listen to Redhawk...he knows what he's talking about.  I've shot three...used a 270, 30-06 and a 300win. 

Good luck and post pictures!!

[APEX PREDATOR]

Ok thanks evryone.
Apex

[Country Boy]

I've killed 3 with a .308 and 17 with a .358 win. both were lever actions,bears are usually too fast for a second shot. Just put the first one in the right spot

[1sourdough]

 I'll be going on a MI bear hunt this Fall. I actually don't expect to shoot a bear, not that I won't have the opportunity. Unless a good bear comes in I don't plan to pull the trigger. I have the one 'average' bear from a handful of years back & I'm thinking a good 300lbs +, or nothing. I'll just take my 284win since I like the gun so much. Shot placement is where it's at, no need to be concerned with that 'quick 2nd shot'. We did have a guy put in a 2nd 'insurance shot' on one last year though. It was a nice boar at 440 lbs. I have my 300 WSM available too, in reserve at the moment though.

[ihookem]

You wont get a second shot anyway. More important to keep your eyes on the bear to see exactly where he runs than be putsing with a second shot that wont happen anyway. Keep your eyes on the bear. Take notice just where he runs cause you won't find a track and not much blood most times.

[swifty22]

I've shot approx. 20 w/everything from a 243 to a 375 H&H , all will work. Most with a HVA 308 and 165 Nosler PT'S or an old 93 Mauser 7x57 and Hornady 139 SP's.  You need to use a fairly fast opening bullet (hence the Nosler partitions) as well as having great penetration, again the Nosler PT"s. Just be calm and shoot them through the "grapefruit" between the front legs and you will have him. If you are out on your own one of the handiest items to have is a hay hook, put it in under the front of the lower jaw to drag them cause there is NUTHIN heavier than a dead bear because there is no way to get a good hold on them. I used an old 140 Nosler made in the 1960's on the last one in my HVA 7x57 he went about 80' and is Damn near a 20" Black Bear, fairly good for around here. The best thing to do is be calm and shoot him carefully through the heart/lung cause if you get him around the edges you probably won't find him. Muddy