OT: Smallest cartridge for black bear

[Mike in Oregon]

I like to call coyotes and have three rifles designated for that (204, 223 and 243). Getting back into the game, I learned that certain areas I was hunting is now loaded with black bear and a wolf pack. I carry a 44 mag whenever I hunt coyotes and try to protect my six whenever I can. So my question is, what is the smallest rifle cartridge you would consider hunting with when in those kind of areas?

Or, do you think the 243 could be loaded up to get the job done?

 

[clowdis]

.243 swill get the job done, but lots of bears have been killed with the old 30-30. Depends on whether you want to really "plant" one or give him a fighting chance. Plant one with a 30-06 or 338.

 

[effendude]

I've shot over 30 black bears, many over 500#. I've used 30, 338 and 35 caliber rifles for them. All down in one shot. For a rifle to call coyotes and also be a possible defense rifle for bears, at a minimum I'd consider the 6ARC in the AR platform with a good bullet for a coyote/possible bear cartridge. Additional fast firepower, much like the 10mm semi-auto versus the 44 mag revolver argument. I'm not saying a 6ARC is a good bear round, but better than anything smaller. Are you keeping the yote pelts? If not, 6.5 Creed or 308 in a AR-10 wouldn't be overgunned as a possible defensive rifle.
Scott

 

[Fast14riot]

243 will work, bullet construction will be the biggest factor.

 

[Evlshnngns]

Your 44mag is perfect for woods defense. I finally bought a 10mm with the same intent.

Rokslide has plenty of evidence that a 223 with a 77gr TMK will put down a bear.

 

[Gary in MD]

I wouldn’t feel too bad carrying the 243, maybe loaded with just a bit heavier than a light varmint bullet.

 

[284winner]

6.5 Grendel is a great round for bear. (Black Bear hunting more than defense).

 

[Mike in Oregon]

I've shot over 30 black bears, many over 500#. I've used 30, 338 and 35 caliber rifles for them. All down in one shot. For a rifle to call coyotes and also be a possible defense rifle for bears, at a minimum I'd consider the 6ARC in the AR platform with a good bullet for a coyote/possible bear cartridge. Additional fast firepower, much like the 10mm semi-auto versus the 44 mag revolver argument. I'm not saying a 6ARC is a good bear round, but better than anything smaller. Are you keeping the yote pelts? If not, 6.5 Creed or 308 in a AR-10 wouldn't be overgunned as a possible defensive rifle.
Scott

Not keeping pelts sir but do not want some overkill long action. I like the idea of the AR.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Are you hunting Black Bear, or protecting yourself from Black Bear?

There is a difference.

If it's a protection question, I'd be more concerned about the wolf packs if you're alone and find yourself in a bad situation.

Not hunting black bear. Just looking for something that will put a bear OR wolf down.

 

[JFrank]

Or, do you think the 243 could be loaded up to get the job done?

Black bears are not hard to kill if you see them before they see you.
With that in mind I still wouldn’t try it a .243 unless I had no other choice.
I’ve carried a lever action Marlin 30-30 until just recently moved up to a 30-06.
Bear spray is a good alternative to carrying a heavy pistol and typically Wolves won’t come after you they’ll smell you a mile away and vacate.

 

[shoot4fun]

Best to take someone who runs a lot slower than you and has a biscuit in their pocket.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

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

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Best to take someone who runs a lot slower than you and has a biscuit in their pocket.

I love my wife though!

 

[Hipshoot]

Why would you want to pick the SMALLEST cartridge you can for black bear?

Is this some kind of Stunt?

 

[Park ranger]

Md hunting regulations says deer and bear rifles must have ammunition that can produce 1200 ft lbs .

I’ve shot a lot of imprint bears with light field rubber slugs. Imagine a 50 grain #2 pencil eraser at 500 fps. Haha.

I’d probably say a 223 with a 62 grain gold dot wouldn’t scare me. In my experience shot placement first anyways.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Why would you want to pick the SMALLEST cartridge you can for black bear?

Is this some kind of Stunt?

did you read the OP?

 

[Mike in Oregon]

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 you're experience in the field.

Varminter, not big game hunter.

 

[shoot4fun]

I love my wife though!

Wait, I said nothing about your wife. Who's gonna make the biscuits?!!

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Wait, I said nothing about your wife. Who's gonna make the biscuits?!!

Good point.

 

[Park ranger]

^Belt fed!