black bear caliber question
I am going black bear hunting for the first time in my life this spring. I have a 12 year old son who is also going with me. I am using a .30-06. My son is a small framed person. He shoots great. He shoots a .223 and takes out prairie dogs 200 to 300 yards out. He has shot several coyotes. He can not shoot standing up he has to be leaniing on a pretty good rest. He is just too small to hold the rifle with out it resting. A .243 is just a bit too much for him. He feels real confident with his .223 winchester model 70 Feather Weight.
I grew up using a .222 and .223. I have shot several white tail bucks with those calibers. I have shot 2 giant mule deer bucks with a .222 and 3 giant mulies with a .223.
I was wondering if anyone knew enough about black bears to know if a .223 will kill one?
I grew up using a .222 and .223. I have shot several white tail bucks with those calibers. I have shot 2 giant mule deer bucks with a .222 and 3 giant mulies with a .223.
I was wondering if anyone knew enough about black bears to know if a .223 will kill one?
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Well first I would check and see it is a legal caliber to hunt with in your state. In many places .223 is not legal for game hunting.
I could be wrong but .243 is not really that much of a jump in recoil between guns. I have and shoot lots of both.
I would say it would depend on how big the bear are in your area and what kind of shot you are going to be able to take. I think .223 is on the small side as bear have much thicker skin then deer. If you do decide that you can use the .223 on bear bullet choice will be critical.
Might need to wait a couple more years till he can hunt bear if he is not able to hunt safely and effectively.0 -
he's safe he that's not much of a problem. We(him nor I) won't be shooting at a bear unless we are within a hundred yards or so from it. Liek I said it's the first time and my main concern is making sure it's not a female with clubs. THere will be more hunting and watching involved than actually killing one.
It's Montana there is no caliber restriction. It's legal to deer hunt with a .22 if ya see fit. I don't I am just saying it's Montana.
I had the same problem my son has I was small when I was young, I used a .222 or .223 until I was 17 and then started on a .243 and went to a .270 a year later. Now I a big guy and can handle anyhting.
Oh I am thinking if we get a 150 pound bear or a little smaller or around there we will be doing good.0 -
Can you carry a side arm??If you can a 44 mag. would make a good backup to handle the size bear you are looking for. 0 -
oh yeah, planned on it. 0 -
The .223 is a little "light" for bear on the larger side. Glad you're carrying big bore handgun!! Smart bear hunter!! 0 -
Put it this way, I know of separate incidents where black bears have been killed with a .22 LR rifle and a pocketknife! I've heard of others where they were killed with a .38 special revolver, a .357 revolver, and a .40SW pistol.
So sure, a .223 *could* do the job, particularly with careful shot placement (which is ultimately more important than caliber anyway).
Obviously, there are better rounds out there for this purpose.
I'd suggest that if you really are going to go out and deliberately hunt a bear with a .223, you use the heaviest bullets that will reliably stabilize in this particular gun.0 -
Without perfect shot placement, you are asking for a wounded bear with the 223. I personally wouldn't use anything under a 257 Roberts on a Black Bear. I do understand that you will be packing a Big(hopefully 44 Magnum or larger) handgun, but that is no fun on a pissed off wounded Black bear. Sure you could shoot it, and if it does not drop immediately, leave, but that is both unethical, and criminal. It could leave a mad and wounded bear for an unsuspecting hiker. Not good. Please make a wise decision for your safety, and that of others.
Best0 -
my choice for bear hunting would start with a 45-70 rifle. then a magnum research 45-70 backup pistol. just my two cents! 0 -
Just a friendly reminder, (since this is your first, if you have not done so already), make sure you take the bear ID test online.
Good luck!0 -
briguy,
I think you knew this answer before you posted but you wanted to see if you could justify it with our acceptance.
It doesn't matter what you've shot with the .223 because it won't be you shooting a bear with one anyway.
1) "He can not shoot standing up he has to be leaniing on a pretty good rest."
2) "He is just too small to hold the rifle with out it resting."
3) "A .243 is just a bit too much for him."
The .223 Rem. is a terrific cartridge for varmints and even deer when the shot is perfect and the bullet selection is proper for the game. Bear have larger bones, tougher musculature, and tougher, matted hair and hide. The organs are usually in a protected position behind the bones. Bullets that are not properly constructed will pencil through some of the flesh, fat and muscle but because of the small diameter, the hole will usually close up leaving you with a highly agitated, wounded bear and no blood trail at all. Ask yourself if you really want to go into the brush after him with your handgun...
Leave the .223 Rem. for the varmints.
Let your son grow up and put some meat and muscle on his frame. Start him on an exercise program to begin building some strength and stamina. Don't rush him into a situation too soon that could potentially lead to a terrible experience. Respect your son and respect the bear.
Best.0
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