Author Topic: caliber for bear (Read 451 times)

chez48 · « **on:** January 01, 2004, 05:50:36 AM »

I have a 10 inch 30-30 and a 14 inch 7-30. I want to use one of these for early bear in New York where the average bear is under 250 lbs. Can either of these be loaded heavy enough for this size of bear. I have been considering the 375 win barrel but don't want to spend the money of I can make the ones I have work. I took a nice doe with 150 grain factory loads in the 30-30 this year so I know that works on animals up to 150 lbs. I have a very accurate 120 grain load for the 7-30 but I think this is too light for bear. Opinions please.

Graycg · « **Reply #1 on:** January 01, 2004, 06:33:05 AM »

Well good question,
Both calibers would do the job with the right load and the right shot placement within reasonable ranges. Probably been more NY black bears killed with 30-30's than anything else. If you are hunting in thickets and ranges are shorter and finding a wounded animal is more difficult, I'd make sure that the bullets you are using are premium types designed for handgun velocities or I'd go to a bigger round, 375 is good and if ranges are short, 35 rem, 44 magnum or 45-70 would be good choices too. I'm kind of partial to 35 bores and am hoping to spend a hunting trip in NY someday with a 357 Max or 35 Rem and with my loads wouldn't hesitate to shoot a blackie, but again with the correct loads, I'd be happy with the 30 or 7-30 too.

regards,
Graycg

Geno · « **Reply #2 on:** January 01, 2004, 08:24:08 AM »

while the 30/30 isnt the optimum load, it and the 7-30 can be very effective. I used to use my 14" 30/30 with 170 grain. Beleive me, they can drop bears nicely. My biggest was 500 pounds in 2001. Since then, I have ben using a 45/70 and really like it. But no reason the 30 calibers won't work within reasonable ranges and good shot placement.

KYODE · « **Reply #3 on:** January 01, 2004, 03:25:01 PM »

i've never hunted bear, but my opinion is that you would be fine with what you have, for the smaller bears. especially with heavier bullets for the caliber. now if it's for some really big bear, more gun can't hurt. could be a good excuse to buy another barrel. you can't have too many barrels, if you like shootin. :wink: