Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Black Bear

I was looking for some advise. I am hoping to go on a black bear hunt this fall, my dad is taking his 45-70. I have a Ruger carbine 44 magnum that I want to take. I know they say hallow points are not good for bears as they have thick hides and it expands before getting to the vitals and slows down. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with black bear hunting with a carbine or 44 magnum any input would really help thanks.

Probably not usable in your carbine, but I've used Beartooth Bullets' 300 grain WFN with good results.

If I needed to substitute with a jacketed bullet, I'd look real hard at the Speer 300 grain UniCor. I have some 240 grain JSP UniCors, but haven't used them in the field. I just prefer the 300s for the penetrating and bone-breaking ability.

I've also used the Speer UniCor in the .45-70. Good bullet, called the "Plinker" now.

There are several more excellent options available, but those are ones I have fired into game, and I liked the results.

Either the Hornady 240 gr XTP's or 265 gr jacketed flat point bullet in your carbine and you'll be set.

Gunner

I would just use a jacketed soft point rather than a jacketed hollow point bullet. I would use at least a 240 grain bullet. I used to use a Speer 270 grain Gold Dot in a .44 magnum rifle and liked the results. Whatever you use, I would test it thoroughly in the Ruger for reliable function and accuracy. The Ruger autoloading carbine often doesn't deliver better than pie plate accuracy at 50 yards. The Ruger is a quick handling carbine in the woods

You gotta quit listening to "they"�.

A heard from a guy who runs bears with dogs that the Hornady 265 gr. flat point is his favorite jacketed bullet for bears.

Sean,
Test it to make sure it feeds reliably, no matter what you choose.
whelennut