My only experience with recoil is with 12 & 20 gauge shotguns as well as 30-06. And I don’t like the recoil. NY state allows any center fire rifle & 20ga or larger shotguns. Based on that, my 1st thought was a 22 Hornet, but I wouldn’t trust that on a bear!
As much as I like the 223, and I own a bunch of them, there are far better choices for deer or bear. I know the argument is that with the right bullets it will do the job. But, by that token, so will a lot of other cartridges as well. There is documented evidence of a 22 rim fire killing an elephant and grizzly bears. However, that doesn’t make it a smart choice.
My only experience with recoil is with 12 & 20 gauge shotguns as well as 30-06. And I don’t like the recoil. NY state allows any center fire rifle & 20ga or larger shotguns. Based on that, my 1st thought was a 22 Hornet, but I wouldn’t trust that on a bear!
I haven't shot any bears, but I can tell you cartridges with a lot less recoil than a 30-06 are plenty for deer.
As much as I like the 223, and I own a bunch of them, there are far better choices for deer or bear. I know the argument is that with the right bullets it will do the job. But, by that token, so will a lot of other cartridges as well. There is documented evidence of a 22 rim fire killing an elephant and grizzly bears. However, that doesn’t make it a smart choice.
I’ve never shot a bear or seen a bear shot. I don’t know how you can say far better choices for deer? You might prefer other chamberings and that’s fine. I use other chamberings too. To say far better choices is just an opinion. Other cartridges make it harder to use the wrong bullets for the task at hand.
If I’ve ever shot a deer more than once with a 75gr amax I can’t remember it right off. I have either missed them had them make a little death run or bang flop. Just like every other cartridge I’ve ever used. Edit this to say I have had to make second shots with other cartridges and not saying they’re worse because of it. I just didn’t finish that thought
For the original poster I would recommend a 6 creedmoor and a suppressor.
My only experience with recoil is with 12 & 20 gauge shotguns as well as 30-06. And I don’t like the recoil. NY state allows any center fire rifle & 20ga or larger shotguns. Based on that, my 1st thought was a 22 Hornet, but I wouldn’t trust that on a bear!
I haven't shot any bears, but I can tell you cartridges with a lot less recoil than a 30-06 are plenty for deer.
A 243 takes care of business.
Yes sir. I will add the 6 creedmoor just for factory ammo options. A mid sized 6mm with a suppressor is about as soft to shoot as it gets. I know some people are totally against the suppressor idea but the OP seems to be very open minded.
You don't mention range or hunting conditions, but for deer and bear, one time proven cartridge that has surprisingly low recoil and kills medium game well is the .35 Remington.
You don't mention range or hunting conditions, but for deer and bear, one time proven cartridge that has surprisingly low recoil and kills medium game well is the .35 Remington.
My buddy just had shoulder replacement down and I reload. Right now I'm looking at a 7mm-08 down-loaded to strong 243 level recoil for ranges under 150-175 yards. Still has 7mm diameter for a little heavier bullet choice and should put enough energy downrange to stop a blackie.
An armed member in a country is a citizen, an unarmed member is a subject.
Honest question with no agenda when I ask this. I wonder what is better for killing a lesser recoiling rifle running on all 8 cylinders or a larger chambering throttled down?
Honest question with no agenda when I ask this. I wonder what is better for killing a lesser recoiling rifle running on all 8 cylinders or a larger chambering throttled down?
I'd say most of it is between our ears Kaleb. Most bear killed are 150lbs. If you said you were hunting monsters, then maybe I'd want way more than I'd use for deer, but not likely.