Bullet for Brown Bear?
I'm in Alaska - Brown Bear wants my stringer of fish - I have a 44 mag Super Blackhawk - should I be using a hard lead Keith syle bullet or a jacketed hp like an XTP? Range - way too close! and I already gave up the fish. And now he wants me!
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12ga slug gun, min legal barrel, with folding stock would be my idea of the ideal fishing buddy. 0 -
The first thing....remove the front sight!! That way you won't chip your teeth when you stick the gun in your mouth. [:D]
Seriously though, I would prefer a hard cast bullet of at least 300 grains, with a very large meplat. Loaded to anything over 1000fps. Keep the recoil to a minimum. You will need to get the gun back on target as soon as possible since you are VERY unlikely to stop a brownie with one shot from a 44, even if you hit him under these circumstances.
You want a bullet that will penetrate as deeply as possible. Check out Garrett Ammo's website for penetration tests. You will be surprised. I know I was.
It ain't what you shoot, it's what you hit.0 -
quote:Originally posted by mbsams
I'm in Alaska - Brown Bear wants my stringer of fish - I have a 44 mag Super Blackhawk - should I be using a hard lead Keith syle bullet or a jacketed hp like an XTP? Range - way too close! and I already gave up the fish. And now he wants me!
If the bear wants you, and you have a .44 mag, make sure the front sight is filed off the barrel and it is smooth. The .44 mag has less power than a 30 carbine or a 30-30. You are not protected with a .44 mag. from a real bear attack. The shotgun is viable defense the 454 Casul is acceptable.
Oh, the reason to file the front site off is simple... It won't hurt so bad when the bear stuffs it up your behind for stinging him with a pea shooter.
PS. I lived in Alaska...been there did that.0 -
if it were me, I would go with something in the 155 mm howitzer range. [8D] 0 -
a Flare gun will direct rescue attempt in your general area. 
God is good. God is great.
Only God can make a Boatswain's Mate!0 -
All joking aside snowtigger hit it. Sure I'd like to take a 300win mag but a rifle isn't easy to take with you. No matter what you take just make sure it stays at the ready. Not on a log a few feet away. This has happened too many times.
Stay Alert! Stay Alive. Good luck out there.0 -
[8D]-Well mbsams, what do you think that S&W 500 was advertised for[?][?][?]Mine is BRUTAL on the first shot--how about the other end.[?][?][?][:D] 0 -
Bear pepper spray. It works and is more effective than just a firearm.
Chris8161
Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof![IMG][/img][IMG][/img]0 -
You use the pepper spray, I'll stick with my .44mag;-)[:)]
Liberty Bells Life Member
http://www.libertybelles.org0 -
Do a little reading and research before you say your handgun will be sufficient. Trust me, it won't be. Note, I said pepper spray in addition to a handgun...not JUST pepper spray.
Chris8161
Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof![IMG][/img][IMG][/img]0 -
Pepper spray, sure. The bears I know like a little seasoning on their meat. The 44 Mag has killed more than a few outraged bears. I don't reccomend it, but it will be plenty, if you do your part. While you are fumbling with the bear spray, that bear has covered the distance and has your head in his mouth. They can run 35 MPH and do it on the third jump.
Read "Alaska Bear Tales". It is a book of true stories about bear attacks. Pay very close attention to the last chapter. The Author demonstrates the speed of the bear, using his dog. He stands ten yards from a tree, while an assistant holds the authors dog thirty yards away. He calls the dog and tries to beat it to the tree. Over and over he tries. He never wins. Keep in mind; a bear is about twice as quick as a dog. Now, tell me you have time to mess around with some gimmick spray, then go for the gun. If you are lucky, he will kill you quick.
It ain't what you shoot, it's what you hit.0 -
How do you feel about land mines?
That will teach them lesson, really get the fur flying. Oh yeah, just REMEBER were you planted them.
Or, they now make a Keith style buller that is plated, and I am going to bet it will be availible in 300gr. The plating will help keep the bullets integrity as it drives threw teeth and bones.. I fear a Hollow point will fail when it hits the bears thick skull, or if it nicks a tooth.. Hornady or not, I was always told a bears forehead is strong a steel.
A clean gun is a happy gun.......Spaz0 -
just my thoughts,
if i thought a bear wanted me, i would go after it.
bait with a few fish, shoot their whatever with a 12 gauge slug/two, float test em.
i have heard that is not the American way, we are suppose to wait to be attacked.
enjoy the week,
mallard0 -
Snowtigger...."gimmick spray"? I don't think so. When you have first hand experience with a charging grizz, then we can talk. You use your 44 and see if you don't end up eaten! Good luck!
Chris8161
Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof![IMG][/img][IMG][/img]0 -
MB,
What the hell are you doin in bear country whithout a 505-460 Kemp?
One in the pipe , five in the box action as fast as a pump gun.
2100 FPS, 500 grain smashie (about 4500 ft lbs of axel snapping torque).
http://home.comcast.net/~stankemp/505460.html
Buy one before they're all gone and go fishin.
Stan0 -
LMAO!
Great responses! I got chewed out by my co-workers when I worked up in Bethel, AK for not having a .44 or some big pistol for stopping angry game....and walking to town alone. Bears aren't the only problem. In Dillingham everyone carried for the moose there. I've been told by many up there it is best to learn to fish with one hand in order to get the gun out when needed.
Anyhow, the truth according to my former aircraft mechanic comrades up there is that multiple .44 mag rounds to the body of a bear will stop it. Sometimes pepper spray will drive bears away for days but sometimes they think it's salad dressing. I would a lot rather rely on physical stoppage than pepper spray. I'm not interested in becoming 'La comida del Fuego' for the bear that doesn't mind spicy food. A .454 or .500 would be better only if you can keep on target as it will still require multiple hits.
The (un)qualifier in all this is I never had to confront either bear or moose. A couple of my comrades had, and two moose perished and one bear followed. Obviously it would be nice to have a big magnum rifle in a handy position but that would mean having to put the fishing pole down...unless you are up there intentionally to hunt the critters that want to put you six fieet under. -good luck with your choice of protection.
We have the second amendment so that all the rest are secure....UNK>0
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