alaska black bear hunt. which round?

[wboggs]

You may be right, there were three of us and one was a little overweight.
He was a bird hunter and is still in a state of shock. We went back to camp and he immediately finished off a half bottle of very good Scotch and a big meal.
I am a little surprised at the interest this post has generated.
Bill

 

[bozo699]

I have shot more than 20 black bears with everything from a bow to a .35 Whelan at ranges from 5 yards to 500 yards. The largest was over 400# dead weight on a certified scale. That said, I don't think you can be under-gunned for black bears, especially if grizzly or browns are also present. My favorite long range black bear cartridge is the .300RUM, short range over bait or hound, I love the .35 Whelan. I am taking a .300RUM on an interior grizzly hunt in May of 2012, and will take one of my .375 H&H rifles for a bear on Kodiak in 2013. Considering the cost involved in the hunt, spend a little on a good magnum bolt rifle with a synthetic stock, top it with a good scope and you won't be out much money if you sell it after the trip. The animal you shootm, the guide and ultimately, you, will be much happier with the experience. In the words of Robert Ruark, "Use enough gun".
Good luck,
Scott

Scott,
Out of three pages of posts I believe this one is most to the point and very well though out and written. I think if it were me I would be finding out my exact hunting conditions I would be hunting in,....brushy or wide open, if in fact there could or is any threat of bigger aggressive bears,moose etc. and choose my weapon accordingly and most importantly "Use enough gun" Well said Scott.
Wayne.

 

[deadlyswift]

To the OP. Myself I have no experience in hunting black bears. However Note this! The best thing that I ever learn to do. Is follow the advice of those that have much experience in what ever I choose to start out in. Or better yet follow the advice of those that have the experience and have been successful in what ever I am trying to accomplish. You may laugh at this, but I am a Eagle Scout. One thing that always sticks out in my mind and I have not forgot. Is the Boy Scout Motto! " Always Be Prepared"

 

[M700]

"I am a little surprised at the interest this post has generated."

Bill, bear hunting topics seem to generate a lot of interest - and I've seen guys disagree fiercely on some forums. Here, we're pretty civil, which is great! Am not quite sure what it is that generates the interest. The potential danger of a bear attack? The amazing intelligence of a bear? The somewhat man-like qualities of a bear? The fact that they're relatively uncommon game, with most of us taking only deer for "big" game? Beats me - but yes - bear hunting threads seem to bring out a lot of interest, and I think that's a good thing.

Our OP, Josh, got a LOT of advice, and I do believe the consensus is clearly on the side of a bigger rifle than the .260 Rem. Good bullets, coupled with the ability to make good hits under pressure, are a plus.

This has been a good discussion. Hope I was able to help the OP a little, or anyone else interested in bear hunting.

Regards, Guy

 

[Josh11]

Thanks to all for the info. Learned a lot. Soon as I talk with the guide on the 29th Ill let you all know when and where, and keep you updated. Again thanks. If there is advice still to come please dont hesitate to do so. I would like to learn as much as possible.

 

[bozo699]

"I am a little surprised at the interest this post has generated."

Bill, bear hunting topics seem to generate a lot of interest - and I've seen guys disagree fiercely on some forums. Here, we're pretty civil, which is great! Am not quite sure what it is that generates the interest. The potential danger of a bear attack? The amazing intelligence of a bear? The somewhat man-like qualities of a bear? The fact that they're relatively uncommon game, with most of us taking only deer for "big" game? Beats me - but yes - bear hunting threads seem to bring out a lot of interest, and I think that's a good thing.

Our OP, Josh, got a LOT of advice, and I do believe the consensus is clearly on the side of a bigger rifle than the .260 Rem. Good bullets, coupled with the ability to make good hits under pressure, are a plus.

This has been a good discussion. Hope I was able to help the OP a little, or anyone else interested in bear hunting.

Regards, Guy

Guy,
I have got a lot out of this thread and your contributions have been great, I really enjoyed the pics you posted.
Wayne.

 

[Josh11]

"I am a little surprised at the interest this post has generated."

Bill, bear hunting topics seem to generate a lot of interest - and I've seen guys disagree fiercely on some forums. Here, we're pretty civil, which is great! Am not quite sure what it is that generates the interest. The potential danger of a bear attack? The amazing intelligence of a bear? The somewhat man-like qualities of a bear? The fact that they're relatively uncommon game, with most of us taking only deer for "big" game? Beats me - but yes - bear hunting threads seem to bring out a lot of interest, and I think that's a good thing.

Our OP, Josh, got a LOT of advice, and I do believe the consensus is clearly on the side of a bigger rifle than the .260 Rem. Good bullets, coupled with the ability to make good hits under pressure, are a plus.

This has been a good discussion. Hope I was able to help the OP a little, or anyone else interested in bear hunting.

Regards, Guy

Guy,
I have got a lot out of this thread and your contributions have been great, I really enjoyed the pics you posted.
Wayne.

+1 on what bozo699 said.

 

[johntree]

here is how to tell what kind of bear is chasing you

if go to climb a tree and it climbs up after you it is a black bear

if you go to climb a tree and it pushes the tree over it is a brown bear

if you go to climb a tree and there are none it is a polar bear

a 338 bullet something for those blackies is just a perfect fit, personally the 338 win mag ammo you will find anywhere and if you dont want the rifle somewhere down the road someone is always looking for one, i own one and always will

 

[hoverp]

325 WSM, 220 grain Winchester Powerpoint @2850. its a thick jacketed 8mm with great SD and a very decent BC. All you need for just about everything from deer to moose to Elk and both types of bears.

I love mine...and I guess thats why I recommend it. It is very versatile...I use it from Pronghorn to the big stuff. Accurate from my Kimber and a joy to shoot as well

PJH
Montana

 

[bozo699]

here is how to tell what kind of bear is chasing you

if go to climb a tree and it climbs up after you it is a black bear

if you go to climb a tree and it pushes the tree over it is a brown bear

if you go to climb a tree and there are none it is a polar bear

a 338 bullet something for those blackies is just a perfect fit, personally the 338 win mag ammo you will find anywhere and if you dont want the rifle somewhere down the road someone is always looking for one, i own one and always will

John,
Great post,....the first part is really funny,...the second part is really true and my sediments exactly!
Wayne.