Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters 8x57 vs 30-06 for Black Bear

That's a true story...

I love the 30-06 but have 3 8mm sporters and they are like peas in a pod - same performance if loaded properly. But, I'd go with the 8X57 (properly loaded) as it's just different.

There are quite a few Campfire members who can't comprehend that, but factory ammunition still kills stuff, believe it or not.

I take a few animals with factory ammo every year--and that's a true story too!

Its never not worked for me!....grin

I bought a 8 x57 not long ago in a sporterised M98. A older fella hanging out at the gun shop asked with a wink, "Why do you want to hunt with a rifle from the loosing side?"

Im sure you'll find that invaluable in making your decision

Well worth quoting, and I like the highly technical description of the terminal ballistics!

Conley Precision offers 200-gr Partitions for both calibers: http://www.cpcartridge.com/premiumrifle.htm . The 8x57mm 200-gr NP is faster (2690fps) than the .30-06 200-gr NP (2500fps) per their listing - doubt that matters much.

The 8x57 with a 200gr. Bullet is a great combo. It's what I used in Namibia last year based on advice from my friends there. It will be what I take when I go back. They also speak very highly of the Norma oryx, but I used partitions because of availability in component form. Pick the 8x57 and start worrying about taxidermy. Good luck.

I'd go for the '06 because, well, I like it. A 180 gr Fed factory load with Nosler Partitions would work. But...an 8x57 would be neat. You know, Mauser 98, an older Zeiss scope, barrel band, pancake cheekpiece, etc. Yeah, I think I like the 8X57...sounds like a cool upcoming trip there, Skyhunter.
Bob

Pick up both guns, mount and point at a 25-50 yard target with your eyes closed. Open them.
Which one is "on" target?
Take that one and load it with ANY factory load 170 grains or more.
And a pen and camera.
Enjoy your hunt, don't overthink the ammo, think about bear sausage and stew.

Although I usually shoot 200 grain ABs from my Husqvarnas and Remington 700s in 8x57, all 4 also shoot the 196 grain S&Bs quite well. If you're shooting a bear over bait, the distance isn't going to be all that great, just make sure that you know where to put the bullet and you'll have your bear.

best answer of the bunch!

LOL.
Every forum/every thread.

Or so it seems.

This.

This +1, seems like damn good advice to me. More bears been shot with 30-30's and 32 Win Spl using the 170 gr loads at 150-200 fps slower than the fac 170 in the 8mm. Those fac 170gr WW semi spitzers, Corelokt's or Hi Shoks will get the job done. From the OP's post it didn't sound like he was sniping one down a powerline cut at 500+ yds either.You don't need boutique loads in an eight to get the job done, just as simple really as stopping at Wallyworld and buying a green/yellow box of ammo that says 30-06 Spgfd on the end 180 gr Corelokt.... have a good hunt and quit worrying about gack. Magnum man

All true, but if he lived close, I'd be glad to roll him up a box or five.

Gunner

No real difference. Pick which rifle handles and shoots best then go.

Not much difference here between these two....my Maine blacks have been killed with a 30/06,270,and 280...you could scarcely tell them apart...and neither could the bears.

I would go with the 8x57 with the 196gr Norma Oryx load or a 30-06 with the 180gr Remington Swift A-Frame load.

Wow, what a community!

Thanks for the input guys. I'm going to take them both. The 30-06 is a Tikka T3 Lite and is my go to white tail killer. The 8x57 is an old sporter with claw mounts and express sights. Here's a look:

98 Mauser Sporter

I think it would be smart to have a back up gun along for the ride. Though I'm still trying to decide which will be the primary. I'm going to keep my eye out for some Norma Oryx to come in stock somewhere..