OT: Smallest cartridge for black bear

[JFrank]

So, Black Bears are typically not aggressive. I think it's fair to say, anything that will dispatch a White Tail deer will dispatch a Black Bear.
Now
If you’ve hunted White Tail deer much, consider your experience in the field.

Your scenario is a determined Black Bear intent on doing you harm.

Enough said concerning choices.

The point you may be overlooking is when you surprise a bear near a carcass or a sow with cubs can be extremely aggressive and surprisingly fast, you won’t outrun a bear and even a 100 pound black bear can rip you a new ass real quick if provoked.
And if provoked is where the heavier caliber is warranted.

 

[Gary in MD]

So, what bullet might you suggest for my 243, seeing how I'm not saving pelts? I have a 9 1/8 twist.

95 or 100 grain would probably take care of a bear or woof if placed properly

 

[wright brothers]

Over here that would be 12 gauge.

Big ones have been taken here with 243.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

The point you may be overlooking is when you surprise a bear near a carcass or a sow with cubs can be extremely aggressive and surprisingly fast, you won’t outrun a bear and even a 100 pound black bear can rip you a new ass real quick if provoked.
And if provoked is where the heavier caliber is warranted.

Yes, yes!

 

[Mike in Oregon]

95 or 100 grain would probably take care of a bear or woof if placed properly

More details please...

 

[Gary in MD]

When I had a 243, IMR 4350 worked the best for me regardless of bullet weight.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Well, it seems the 243 will work with the right ammo. What factory ammo might you suggest?

 

[Mike in Oregon]

I would probably be in the 95-105 family, 105 is what I shoot in Dasher for hunting.
Question Mike ; Do you have to take a bear identification test in Oregon?
We do in Mt. it can be tough to tell a grizz from a black sometimes and when in doubt we just do shoot.

No.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Dude. You're asking the wrong question.

Dude, how so?

 

[41rem]

Personally for me it would be my 300 Ham'r on an AR-15 platform. Moves a 135 grain Bonded Speer @ 2400 fps. That and I have 20 of them on tap.

Bill Wilson designed it to duplicate 30-30 WCF ballistics in an autoloader

41

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Dude. You're asking the wrong question.

I'd not be even remotely interested in defending myself with a .242Win rifle in close quarters with a Black Bear intent on immobilizing me.

Edited my post.

I see that. Still, what question are we talking about??? Factory ammo?

 

[JFrank]

Did you not read my post in it's entirety? It has additions after my original thoughts.

I must have missed your additional thoughts.

 

[Ranger188]

Hope you never have to face that situation.
Without carrying 3 firearms, your 44 mag with some cast bullets
or a good constructed bullet and some spare ammo for it, should work.

 

[ISS]

IIRC, back about 90 years ago an Alaskan named Hosea Farber hunted Griz with an OM 70 in 22 Hornet. As did many Native Alaskans. For several years he was very successful. Until, one year he wasn't. He disappeared on a hunt and no traces of him or his rifle were ever found. Another Alaskan Guide/Gunsmith named Cooper (he of Cooper's Landing fame) converted 1886 Winchesters to an improved 50-90 to shoot a shortened 50 BMG bullet. He lived to a ripe old age, with a supposed over one hundred Griz and Polar Bear count.
If I ever get to hunt Griz up there, I would lean more to the Big 50 or my 1895 Winchester lever rifle in 405.

YMMV, but I would want at least a 308 or '06.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

IIRC, back about 90 years ago an Alaskan named Hosea Farber hunted Griz with an OM 70 in 22 Hornet. As did many Native Alaskans. For several years he was very successful. Until, one year he wasn't. He disappeared on a hunt and no traces of him or his rifle were ever found. Another Alaskan Guide/Gunsmith named Cooper (he of Cooper's Landing fame) converted 1886 Winchesters to an improved 50-90 to shoot a shortened 50 BMG bullet. He lived to a ripe old age, with a supposed over one hundred Griz and Polar Bear count.
If I ever get to hunt Griz up there, I would lean more to the Big 50 or my 1895 Winchester lever rifle in 405.

YMMV, but I would want at least a 308 or '06.

Finelly, the 308 is mentioned. I was wondering about that and even a 7mm-08.

 

[JFrank]

As someone who has lived the last six years with bear, wolves and lions as close as the front yard, I can honestly say if you’re not targeting bear rather defending the possibility of crossing paths then Bear spray is still the most recommended option.
Wolves won’t be there ( they are ghosts) and cats see you long before you see them.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

It's a BEAR. Presumably intent on ending your existence based on your scenario.

And Wolf packs. With the same intent based on your scenario.

A .243 rifle is your 'big bore' and best option?

OMG.

Dude, finely, something I can understand. When did I say the 243 was my best option? Looks like you're not in agreement with a 243 with heavy loads will get the job done. What might you recommend then?

 

[Mike in Oregon]

As someone who has lived the last six years with bear, wolves and lions as close as the front yard, I can honestly say if you’re not targeting bear rather defending the possibility of crossing paths then Bear spray is still the most recommended option.
Wolves won’t be there ( they are ghosts) and cats see you long before you see them.

Copy that! I guess I forgot to mention the bear spray I now am planning to have attached to my person.

 

[DShortt]

'Some folks, you just can't reach.'

 

[Lonny in ID]

When my son started hunting, I had him use a 243AI. He shot a couple bears with it. Not big heavyweights by any means, probably under 200 lbs. One was shot with an 85 grain TSX and the other a 100 grain Partition. Quick kills at sub 125 yards. A vanilla 243 wouldn't worry me in the slightest using factory ammo with a controlled expansion bullet.