Help me choose a caliber

[ebb]

My working partner shot a true grizzly with 340 wea, One shot.

 

[Eric Leonard]

I would rethink that “solo” thought. Find a buddy for a minimum of two. 4 is better. Hunting alone in an “air dropped” location is.......what’s the right word......foolish.

Last I heard they still haven’t found hide nor hair of this guy

One month after disappearance of Tennessee hunter Steve Keel, search continues in Alaska

The wife of a missing hunter is exhausting all resources because Steve Keel is still missing, one month later.

www.newschannel5.com

 

[David Milisock]

I've build a 6.5 PRC on a Defiance XM. It is un believably accurate and the nicest rifle I have ever owned. However, I find that I'm hunting with my 280AI and not the 6.5prc. So, I can either sell the 6.5prc, or chamber. I'd like to chamber it in a 338 caliber so when I'm in Alaska I have something a little more stout than the 7mm. Suggestions? I reload.

Why get rid of either? Just get a new heavy if you need one.

 

[David Milisock]

Ok, you've talked some sense into me. Tomorrow I'll load up some 153.5 Hybrids and play with the 6.5(above) some more. In the mean time I'll look for a Ruger Alaskan in 375.

I'm a solo hunter generally and will be bush plane dropped next August into the 40 mile herd. I have zero intention of screwing with a bear. However, I've met a big Grizzly up close and personal once who wanted to eat me and based on that encounter, I want a caliber big enough to end future encounters.
Thank you all for the advice.

I've had to shoot one time against a bear to save myself and I think the it changes the way you approach it.

There's big bear hunting, usually done with others and or with a guide. A 338 Winchester is decent because there's backup. It give you some range but is lacking as it's. 338 diameter.

Then there's big bear defense, it's a situation best if you prepare in case you're alone. You can still hunt bear with the rifle but it's definitely better in close with the 4,800 foot pounds and 458 diameter.

I would go for a .458 in 500 grain with a minimum muzzle velocity of 1,900+ FPS. You can build a Siamease Mauser 45/70, a custom 450 Marlin Mauser, a 458 x 2 Mauser or get 458 Winchester.

I built a custom 450 Marlin, I get 2,050 FPS, in between the 45/70 and the 458 Winchester in a custom balanced rifle, it balances just a bit after of the mag center and swing like a skeet gun. I preferred a bit less weight, a bit less energy than the 458 Winchester or 460 Weatherby but faster acting in close.

 

[David Milisock]

I would rethink that “solo” thought. Find a buddy for a minimum of two. 4 is better. Hunting alone in an “air dropped” location is.......what’s the right word......foolish.

Why? We all die some day anyway, may as well go on your terms.

While it is certainly nicer to have backup there are times where havingmore people make you less safe. I've been in the woods or jungles alone on many occasions. In fact there are days I wonder if coming back was the good idea.

 

[Edd]

People should do what they enjoy. Some like to hunt alone, some don't. To some the camaraderie is the most enjoyable part. A late friend of mine once said "the worst possible thing that can happen to you when Elk hunting is to kill an Elk".

 

[10XSHOOTER]

I would look at a 375 Ruger for Alaska in case a brown bear decides you look a lot like lunch. The big Ruger will help you dissuade a big hungry bear from making you its next meal and the recoil is surprisingly easy to handle. The 375 will easily handle the rest of the game you are seeking in Alaska at reasonable ranges. I think the 375 makes an ideal gun for black bear, it will make two good size holes in most any black bear with the right bullet choice.

Shot my Bear in Kamchatka with a Howa in .375 Ruger. one shot one kill 100 yds

 

[jackieschmidt]

Randy Selby‘s talk on hunting in big bear country is pretty spot on.
He comes across as a tad preachy, but in this case, I think he makes some valid points.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwj84KvQ68L6AhUHrmoFHTBdA6YQwqsBegQIBRAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F503633527&usg=AOvVaw0AEo451lfUjZpL8xQilzBy

 

[DumpHollow]

This post has me glad I’m living in Ga….. damn, if I had to arm up like y’all are talking about to go to the outhouse it would get old.
May as well get in great shape and get a Barrett m99 in 50 bmg with some Amaxes.

I'd rather deal with bear than need snake boots. You boys in the south have snakes and gators to deal with.

 

[Adam in WI]

And some creepy ass bugs the size of your foot