Brown Bear Cartridge

[vikingpreacher]

If you were going Brown Bear hunting and had to have one rifle regardless of whether you already have it or not, what rifle would it be and in what cartridge? For me it would probably be a Ruger M77 in 338 RCM or a Remington 700 SPS stainless in 300 win. mag..

[Onesonek]

I'd probably go buy a Ruger #1 stnls in a .338 Win Mag for backup to my 9.3x74R Encore.

Dave

[Midas]

I would take my Savage 116 .375 H&H, or my .338 Win Mag

[turner]

I think most all of us would hire the services of a competent guide. That being said; I'd be more tilted to the big caliber big bullet side as I don't believe any guide is going to want you shooting at ANYTHING over 200yds. Most shots within 100yds, 150 max. That being my opinion, my tastes will run to a rifle I already own, a .450 marlin. I'd likely have "Stars and Stripes Ammo" load some 350 gr pointed "X" bullets and feel comfy to 200yds. The same load would be fine at 10yds in the event of a charge. Of course the .375 H&H(with quality 270 or 300gr loads) would likely be nearly as good, but I'd prefer this load to any .338WM. Simply my opinion.

[jaeger]

Considering I would keep a brown bear shot within 100 yds +/- 25 I think I would go with some buffalo bore 45/70 in a marlin 1895 classic.

[turner]

Originally Posted by jaeger

Considering I would keep a brown bear shot within 100 yds +/- 25 I think I would go with some buffalo bore 45/70 in a marlin 1895 classic.

+1

I'll figure you're looking at a twin to my loading, except that my BLR will shoot pointed bullets safely. I think this is what these rifles are made for, and can do, better than most any other...especially a 24 or 26" magnum bolt gun. Of course...simply my opinion.

[7mmremmag1995]

prolly a 338 win mag

[rdale501]

You can barrow my .204 Ruger if you can't find a rifle to get the job done....just kidding. I think I would opt for the .338 win. mag.

[Mooseman684]

I use the .300 Win Mag....It is enough Bullet!
Rich

[sell33]

Hmm.. brown bear. Well i want to do it someday and i would choose a ruger no. 1 or tc pro hunter in 338 win mag i believe

[danny29]

Part of it depends on which brown bear we're talking about. For the coastal ones up in AK I've always taken my .375 H&H knowing that it was not just enough gun but more than enough gun. However, the very hot loaded 45-70 or 450 Marlin with the right bullet sounds like a winner too.

[big boomer]

Brown bears are big and mean I would want a big gun with repeat shots 45/70 lever maybe.

[ezearln]

Well to be honest I have always thought of going to hunt grizzly in Alaska! When I was there I fell in love with the place, my goodness if I had been retired then or could have found a decent full time job I'd still probably be there, Even as much as I love Texas! But many years ago I had a chance to buy an original and unfired ever Remingtom Mdl 660 in .350 Remington Magnum, I loved the heft and balance of that particular rifle and to this day still feel it would be more than adequate for any North American dangerous game. The reason I didn't buy the rifle? I didn't have the piddlin $125.00 the owner needed in a hurry at the time! Taught me to leave a lil reserve in the bank though!

[AKHunter]

Whichever was in my hand when that bear showed itself, whether it be my .338wm or my .30-06'.

If I was going on a coastal brown bear hunt , my .338wm would be the choice. If I am moose hunting in the interior,(where I normaly moose hunt), it is a coin toss which one I chose to bring that given year.

Being an alaskan resident I am not required to have a guide nor would I choose to have a guide.

If I were focused on brown bear, particularly the big boys on the coast, I am not one to choose a single shot rifle for the occasion. If the slightest thing goes awry, you will regret, very quickly, not having another round or two on tap !

[nathangdad]

If I were alone in brown bear country I would prefer a .458 Winchester magnum with a solid bullet. What you may need is all the put down power you can muster at close range.

This is a lot of gun and few can shoot it well but it is best to have the best insurance, as the old saying goes.

[Brother Bob]

.375 H&H or a .458 Winmag. Bear in mind that these guys can approach 1,800 lbs. and rip you in half with one swipe of their paw. I'd also have a .44 magnum strapped to my hip just in case. There's one stuffed at Sportmans Warehouse in Memphis, that took 7 rounds from a .340 Weatherby to bring down. That sucker is huge and could look over the top of a school bus while standing upright. When you're dealing with monsters that big, it is not a good time to try to prove a point or a caliber. Forget the math and all the ballistic B.S.! Your azz is on the line and your future depends on a big hole in the right spot and some luck to boot! While the bear may only have a few seconds of life left, he may decide to take you with him. A bear of that size could make you look like you got hit by a train in 2 seconds or less!

[Onesonek]

Originally Posted by AKHunter

Whichever was in my hand when that bear showed itself, whether it be my .338wm or my .30-06'.

If I was going on a coastal brown bear hunt , my .338wm would be the choice. If I am moose hunting in the interior,(where I normaly moose hunt), it is a coin toss which one I chose to bring that given year.

Being an alaskan resident I am not required to have a guide nor would I choose to have a guide.

If I were focused on brown bear, particularly the big boys on the coast, I am not one to choose a single shot rifle for the occasion. If the slightest thing goes awry, you will regret, very quickly, not having another round or two on tap !

I agree about the alone part, then again good share of us wouldn't be allowed without a guide, but if I was I would go with a lever or bolt myself.
That said, I do practice on ocassion, follow up shooting with both my #1's and Encore, and for me 3 well placed shots under 5 seconds with the #1 is more than possible, the Encore takes abit longer or 2 in 5 seconds.
The guide I have spoken with in regards to using a single, said" as long as you can follow up with a 2nd pretty quickly and accurately. If any more than 2 are needed, and the bear is headed the wrong direction, and I'll be shooting after your 2nd".
But again yes, coastal bears deserve some major respect!!!!

Dave

[Windwalker]

If I were hunting anything in bear country I would use a 45-70. I would not hunt Grizzly or Polar Bear and would hope I did not cross the path of one.

[sc928porsche]

.378Wby

[Phil Lozano]

Originally Posted by Midas

.375 H&H, or .338 Win Mag

I would add 358 Norma.

Bullet weight and frontal area are what you want here.

A 40+ cal. would not be out of place here either, e.g. 416's or 458 Lott etc... Something with enough velocity to shoot 200 yards with heavy for caliber bullets.

Best,