Federal Fusion bullets for Black bear

[orchemo]

First year chasing black bears (Oregon coast, plan on calling).

Will be carrying a 45-70 but also taking a 30-06.

The 30-06 is a new rifle to me (Rem 700 mountain rifle) and I purchased Federal Bear Claw and Federal Fusion ammo 165 gr.

The Bear Claw just does not seems to group well, while the Fusion shoots great groups. I know the Fusion was designed for whitetail deer, but how about black bear (range less than 250 yds)?


Thanks
Eric

[K.K]

You will probaly be fine with that load, if you rshot placement is in the vitals.  You may want ot consider the Nosler Accubond or Winchester Fail-Safe, or perhaps the Barnes X-Bullet if you want more penetration for the off chance that you need more penetration.  Remember, piles of black bears have been tken with the old 30-30.  In fact, my uncle took one (from a defensive standpoint) with a 1911 shooting hardball.  I guess that, like anything else, shot placement is key.  I like premium bullets for black bears, though, for what it's worth.  Good luck

[orchemo]

Am going back to the range on Friday morning and give the bear claws another chance. The shots seemed  to srng out horizonally. I also have some Remington Core-locks and was going to shop for another premium round bullet tomorrow, maybe Nosler as they are Oregon based. Shop and shot locally.

[Buckfever]

Make sure that barrel is very clean, no copper fouling.  Also some of my guns are more sensitive to heat and will horizontally string shots if I don't wait for at least 5 minutes between shots after the barrel is warm.  That TBBC will take a shoulder if you have too fine bullet.  If that doesn't work try a Barnes TSX and the others mentioned.   Buckfever

[orchemo]

After bringing the rifle home, gave the barrel a good brushing and scribing. Looks clean. Pick up a box of Remington Ultra-Core Lock. Back to the range Friday morning and will give the Bear Claws another trial. Probably was not waiting long enough for the barrel to cool, but when I switched to the Fusion bullets it was not till the end of the shooting session and the barrel was warm to the touch. (Needed to get into the office for the day).

I understand light weight barrels are more heat sensitive and the Rem Mountain rifles are slim barrels.... but also seems the barrels should cool faster as the the slim barrel can not store as much energy?

[orchemo]

The Core lock sypremes seemed to target better. The bear claws were better after a good barrell cleaning, but the Core-Locks overall grouped better. Need to also tweek the Remington trigger. Of the 5 Remington 700s I have the 06 has the worst trigger. Might be Timmey time as I have tried to adjusted, but can not get ride of the uptake.

Also shot my Savage 10 FP in 308. I really like the Accutrigger!!!