Comments on: The Right Gun – Bear Hunting Tips http://www.bearbums.net/2008/06/26/the-right-gun-bear-hunting-tip/ Self Guided Bear Hunting - Guided Bear Hunting - Black Bear Hunting Tips Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:40:20 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Jed http://www.bearbums.net/2008/06/26/the-right-gun-bear-hunting-tip/comment-page-1/#comment-27742 Jed Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:40:20 +0000 http://www.bearbums.net/?p=30#comment-27742 Hi Billie, Thanks for the comment and question. Hunting black bears is a rush. With the best, big rifle a black bear can still stand a heck of a wallop and keep coming or going. I've had the same experience your grandfather had and it amazes me. Truthfully there's nothing wrong with using the 30.06 for even the beefyist black bear. Use a 180 grain tough bullet, like the Barnes X and get used to shooting the .06 and you'll do great. Make that 1st shot count 'cause bears are sneaky and fast. It sounds to me like you'll have a riot. Let us know how it goes. Hi Billie,
Thanks for the comment and question. Hunting black bears is a rush. With the best, big rifle a black bear can still stand a heck of a wallop and keep coming or going. I’ve had the same experience your grandfather had and it amazes me.
Truthfully there’s nothing wrong with using the 30.06 for even the beefyist black bear. Use a 180 grain tough bullet, like the Barnes X and get used to shooting the .06 and you’ll do great.
Make that 1st shot count ’cause bears are sneaky and fast.
It sounds to me like you’ll have a riot. Let us know how it goes.

]]> By: steve http://www.bearbums.net/2008/06/26/the-right-gun-bear-hunting-tip/comment-page-1/#comment-27741 steve Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:43:42 +0000 http://www.bearbums.net/?p=30#comment-27741 It also depends on what you can shoot without flinching. I've hunted Buffalo in our Northern Territory in Australia. Some grow to be a big as Cape Buffalo, and ours are mean. If you only wound one look out. You'll never outrun one. I've seen them taken stone dead with a well placed shot with a 6.5x55. I've also seen them run off with a 338 lapua magnum that its muscle just absorbed. Its ok to argue hydrostatic shock from a 3000ft per sec screamer, but we all know that these sorts of animals, including the big five, can take a lot of rounds and they keep coming just on adrenalin. Its certainly the case with lion. Ive shot the 300 win mag and the Weatherby mags and think they are viscious to shoot. I'd rather go a bit slower and heavier and use a 375 H&H or a 416 Rigby. In a 10 lb rifle I think the recoil is manageable...much more that the 300 mags in an 8lb rifle. We load up with a medium weight softnose and the rest of the magazine has heavier Woodleigh weldcores. So if the animal is charging, as it will and your first shot is not fatal, the next four will be. You should also be able to get off four rounds in five seconds...That takes a sweet action. We use Mauser actions or the older Brno's are nice. My mate has a Mauser in 9.3 x 54. One can vary the mix of rounds and thats a sweet rifle. To me, the 375 H&H is hard to beat if you want one to cover all you will face. Just be smart about what you stack in the mag. It might save your life. It also depends on what you can shoot without flinching. I’ve hunted Buffalo in our Northern Territory in Australia. Some grow to be a big as Cape Buffalo, and ours are mean. If you only wound one look out. You’ll never outrun one.
I’ve seen them taken stone dead with a well placed shot with a 6.5×55. I’ve also seen them run off with a 338 lapua magnum that its muscle just absorbed. Its ok to argue hydrostatic shock from a 3000ft per sec screamer, but we all know that these sorts of animals, including the big five, can take a lot of rounds and they keep coming just on adrenalin. Its certainly the case with lion.
Ive shot the 300 win mag and the Weatherby mags and think they are viscious to shoot. I’d rather go a bit slower and heavier and use a 375 H&H or a 416 Rigby. In a 10 lb rifle I think the recoil is manageable…much more that the 300 mags in an 8lb rifle.
We load up with a medium weight softnose and the rest of the magazine has heavier Woodleigh weldcores. So if the animal is charging, as it will and your first shot is not fatal, the next four will be. You should also be able to get off four rounds in five seconds…That takes a sweet action. We use Mauser actions or the older Brno’s are nice. My mate has a Mauser in 9.3 x 54. One can vary the mix of rounds and thats a sweet rifle. To me, the 375 H&H is hard to beat if you want one to cover all you will face. Just be smart about what you stack in the mag. It might save your life.

]]> By: Billie http://www.bearbums.net/2008/06/26/the-right-gun-bear-hunting-tip/comment-page-1/#comment-27716 Billie Fri, 06 Aug 2010 03:20:07 +0000 http://www.bearbums.net/?p=30#comment-27716 Hello, I'm twelve years old and I'm going hunting black bear with my grandfather up in western washington. I know the good ol' 30-06 is a nice gun for huntin' but my grandfather said that his dad shot a beefy black bear 8 times with it before it whent down. I'm a little worried about this as I can't squeez off more than four of those bullets without flinching. So I was wondering if I should just take the 06 or take a bigger gun like a .400 marlin? Thanks! Hello, I’m twelve years old and I’m going hunting black bear with my grandfather up in western washington. I know the good ol’ 30-06 is a nice gun for huntin’ but my grandfather said that his dad shot a beefy black bear 8 times with it before it whent down. I’m a little worried about this as I can’t squeez off more than four of those bullets without flinching. So I was wondering if I should just take the 06 or take a bigger gun like a .400 marlin? Thanks!

]]> By: Gary Winterton http://www.bearbums.net/2008/06/26/the-right-gun-bear-hunting-tip/comment-page-1/#comment-26264 Gary Winterton Wed, 09 Jun 2010 03:27:03 +0000 http://www.bearbums.net/?p=30#comment-26264 .338 Win, or .300 WBY which is the best caliber for bear? In all of the discussions around this subject one of the most important elements of this equation is proper bullet selection! All the power available is for not if the bullet selected is incorrect for they type of animal being hunted. In my opinion bullet selection in this discussion is more important than splitting hairs between .338 and .300 caliber. Having said this, my personal choice would be the .300 WBY with a Barnes TSX 180gr bullet. I am a big believer that hydraulic shock, coupled with proper shot placement makes a tremendous difference when killing large powerful animals. Happy Hunting! .338 Win, or .300 WBY which is the best caliber for bear? In all of the discussions around this subject one of the most important elements of this equation is proper bullet selection! All the power available is for not if the bullet selected is incorrect for they type of animal being hunted. In my opinion bullet selection in this discussion is more important than splitting hairs between .338 and .300 caliber. Having said this, my personal choice would be the .300 WBY with a Barnes TSX 180gr bullet. I am a big believer that hydraulic shock, coupled with proper shot placement makes a tremendous difference when killing large powerful animals. Happy Hunting!

]]> By: Jed http://www.bearbums.net/2008/06/26/the-right-gun-bear-hunting-tip/comment-page-1/#comment-26263 Jed Wed, 09 Jun 2010 01:43:57 +0000 http://www.bearbums.net/?p=30#comment-26263 Up front! I'm not going to answer your very valid question. If I could get the right answer from the right guy I'd choose Craig Boddington as the "answer giver". I know one other guy I'd kind of trust, and I'll ask him to zip you an answer. I've killed brown bear only twice and got lucky both times. What a trophy! The second brown I got a fast 6-7 338 bullets in and he died not instantly, but with out excessive danger. The first bear I (we) shot, I think we used nine 338 bullets, most at 30-10 yards. The bear again lost, but I learned fear and less dignity. The outcome would have been different if I'd used a 300 weatherby or a 416 rigby, a 22-250 or a 500 jeffrys. Since the last bear, I've purchased smaller faster and larger slower, guns. Brown bears, grizzly bears, polar bears and yep the #1 bear killer of humans, the black bears, scare me. If I ever go after the big size bears, I'll go bigger and it won't be with a 300 weatherby or a 338 win mag. Maybe a 375H&H See hear for the story on my first brown bear: http://www.bearbums.net/2010/03/19/fall-brown-bear-hunt-1994/ Up front! I’m not going to answer your very valid question. If I could get the right answer from the right guy I’d choose Craig Boddington as the “answer giver”. I know one other guy I’d kind of trust, and I’ll ask him to zip you an answer.
I’ve killed brown bear only twice and got lucky both times. What a trophy! The second brown I got a fast 6-7 338 bullets in and he died not instantly, but with out excessive danger. The first bear I (we) shot, I think we used nine 338 bullets, most at 30-10 yards. The bear again lost, but I learned fear and less dignity. The outcome would have been different if I’d used a 300 weatherby or a 416 rigby, a 22-250 or a 500 jeffrys. Since the last bear, I’ve purchased smaller faster and larger slower, guns. Brown bears, grizzly bears, polar bears and yep the #1 bear killer of humans, the black bears, scare me. If I ever go after the big size bears, I’ll go bigger and it won’t be with a 300 weatherby or a 338 win mag. Maybe a 375H&H

See hear for the story on my first brown bear: http://www.bearbums.net/2010/03/19/fall-brown-bear-hunt-1994/

]]> By: David http://www.bearbums.net/2008/06/26/the-right-gun-bear-hunting-tip/comment-page-1/#comment-26261 David Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:47:49 +0000 http://www.bearbums.net/?p=30#comment-26261 After reading much and, when reading, coming across some inconsistencies I did some research. This led to a comparison of the .338 Winchester Magnum with the .300 Weatherby Magnum. The results tell me that the .300 Weatherby Magnum is a better gun for brown bear. Please look at the data below and please give any opinions on it. Below is based on the use of 250 grain RN bullets. That for the .300 Weatherby is available from Hawk bullets and custom loaders. .338 Winchester Magnum MV 2660 fps 100 yds 2456 fps 200 yds 2261 fps 300 yds 2075 fps ME 3927 ft lbs 100 yds 3348 ft lbs 200 yds 2837 ft lbs 300 yds 2075 ft lbs Sectional Density .313 Ballistics Coefficient .291/.332 .300 Weatherby Magnum MV 2650 fps 100 yds 2433 fps 200 yds 2229 fps 300 yds 2037 fps ME 3898 ft lbs 100 yds 3256 ft lbs 200 yds 2757 ft lbs 300 yds 2037 ft lbs Sectional Density .376 Ballistics Coefficient .417 At first, the .338 Winchester has a very slight edge with velocity and energy. But, when you take into consideration the killing factors of sectional density and ballistics coefficient the .338 Winchester Magnum is pale in comparison to the .300 Weatherby Magnum. So, why is the .338 Winchester Magnum recommended over the .300 Weatherby Magnum. After reading much and, when reading, coming across some inconsistencies I did some research. This led to a comparison of the .338 Winchester Magnum with the .300 Weatherby Magnum. The results tell me that the .300 Weatherby Magnum is a better gun for brown bear. Please look at the data below and please give any opinions on it. Below is based on the use of 250 grain RN bullets. That for the .300 Weatherby is available from Hawk bullets and custom loaders.

.338 Winchester Magnum
MV 2660 fps
100 yds 2456 fps
200 yds 2261 fps
300 yds 2075 fps

ME 3927 ft lbs
100 yds 3348 ft lbs
200 yds 2837 ft lbs
300 yds 2075 ft lbs

Sectional Density .313
Ballistics Coefficient .291/.332

.300 Weatherby Magnum

MV 2650 fps
100 yds 2433 fps
200 yds 2229 fps
300 yds 2037 fps

ME 3898 ft lbs
100 yds 3256 ft lbs
200 yds 2757 ft lbs
300 yds 2037 ft lbs

Sectional Density .376
Ballistics Coefficient .417

At first, the .338 Winchester has a very slight edge with velocity and energy. But, when you take into consideration the killing factors of sectional density and ballistics coefficient the .338 Winchester Magnum is pale in comparison to the .300 Weatherby Magnum. So, why is the .338 Winchester Magnum recommended over the .300 Weatherby Magnum.

]]> By: Autumn http://www.bearbums.net/2008/06/26/the-right-gun-bear-hunting-tip/comment-page-1/#comment-20313 Autumn Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:59:20 +0000 http://www.bearbums.net/?p=30#comment-20313 I love Bear Hunting, it is awesome I love Bear Hunting, it is awesome

]]> By: mike http://www.bearbums.net/2008/06/26/the-right-gun-bear-hunting-tip/comment-page-1/#comment-14569 mike Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:59:37 +0000 http://www.bearbums.net/?p=30#comment-14569 Thanks, I went and got a 30-06 and will use that. But one more question, were in virginia is good bear hunting. Thanks, I went and got a 30-06 and will use that. But one more question, were in virginia is good bear hunting.

]]> By: Bill Capps http://www.bearbums.net/2008/06/26/the-right-gun-bear-hunting-tip/comment-page-1/#comment-14564 Bill Capps Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:33:23 +0000 http://www.bearbums.net/?p=30#comment-14564 Thanks for the info. will let you know how it goes. Thanks for the info. will let you know how it goes.

]]> By: Jed http://www.bearbums.net/2008/06/26/the-right-gun-bear-hunting-tip/comment-page-1/#comment-14432 Jed Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:01:06 +0000 http://www.bearbums.net/?p=30#comment-14432 GREAT!!! if you're hunting close, say a stand the muzzle loader is a bear killing machine. I us 90 grains of pyrodex in my 45 caliber (mostly because my Hawkins kicks me in the cheek bone) and i've hammers a couple bears. i thinks the problem with the muzzle loader is putting up with the weather and making sure you know your equipment. you won't get a second chance at a close bear if you have a miss fire. I like your choice! do good and let us know. GREAT!!! if you’re hunting close, say a stand the muzzle loader is a bear killing machine. I us 90 grains of pyrodex in my 45 caliber (mostly because my Hawkins kicks me in the cheek bone) and i’ve hammers a couple bears. i thinks the problem with the muzzle loader is putting up with the weather and making sure you know your equipment. you won’t get a second chance at a close bear if you have a miss fire. I like your choice! do good and let us know.

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