Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game Rifle Caliber for Black Bear

What Rifle caliber do you recommend for Black Bear?

Your deer rifle would be good. I'd probably use my .308, 165 grain partition at 2650 to 2700 fps, or the TSX at max speed. I uouldn't (and haven't been) undergunned with my .30-30, 170 grain Hornady at 2180 fps. I rolled one HARD with that combo. It surprised me how quick the bear went down to that lowly, bounce-off-deer round.

Whatever you're using for deer.

FC

What he said, but I would add that if you have a choice then it is more a question of which rifle instead of which cartridge. Is the hunt bait, hounds, or spot and stalk?

Yep.

Stands over bait, So would a .25 caliber be ok?

If you know of the terrain and likely shot opportunities, choose the rifle you'd pick to hunt large deer or elk in that same kind of area.

For instance, the bear near my home live in high country meadows where they feed on berries and grubs found in clear-cut hill sides. Shots range from 150 to 400 or more yards. I don't shoot much past 400 yards, so I'd probably pick up a rifle I'd use on big deer or elk at those same ranges. On calibers 30 and up, I prefer medium to heavy for caliber bullets of medium construction. For the sub-30 caliber cartridges, I prefer a more stout bullet.

Use a rifle you are completely confident in, and study the anatomy. A few years back Montana's game agency, I don't know the name, had a good pictoral on line for where the vitals are.

So, you're not going to be shooting very far. If you're shooting a 25, I'd pick a heavier and/or stout bullet in that caliber. 100gr TSX, 110gr Accubond, 115gr Partition, 120gr Partition or maybe even a 120gr Roundnose. If using standard cup and core, the 117gr or 120gr bullets would be my only choice.

If it were me, I'd chose a caliber of at least 7mm at modest velocity. No need for a magnum.

Here are my choices, .257 Bee, .270 Win,30-06, 300 win,.300 Bee. I believe most shots would be under 100 yards.

30-06. What state you baiting in and what month?

Of the ones you have listed the .270 would be my choice. You couldn't go wrong with the .30-06 either.

Anything but a .270.....

HAHA Ingwe...guess they bounce off bears also?

It is in New Brunswick Canada.

Yep..they bounce off

It is a spring time hunt & they say bears range from 150-500 lbs.

But Ingwe us Canucks loooove the .270 GRF

Ruger270man enjoy your hunt in NB, one of the most beautiful places in Canada. GRF

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Just sayin'.....

Thems fightin words bastid .....

Yeah...but Americans also voted Nixon, Carter, Ray-gun, Slick Willy, Dubba B into office, so what does that prove?