Best Rifle for Bear Hunting in Northern MN

Deerslayer500 · 04-13-2009, 08:46 AM

Hello, I am going totry bear hunting this september innorthern MN and because of this,I will bepurchasing my first rifle very soon and am stumped as towhether or not to purchase a Marlin 30-30 model 336A or just go to a higher powered rifle such as a Tikka T3 Hunter in 30-06. As you might guess its going to be densly woodedterrain near Ely. So Any comments and/or replies will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Wolf killer · 04-13-2009, 09:09 AM

I would pick the 30-06 hands down. The 30-06 is way more versitle and will work on any big game animal in north america. The 30-06 is a great choice for the person who only owns one gun.

The 30-30 is more limited in range & knock down power.

Scott Gags · 04-13-2009, 09:30 AM

Deerslayer I would not want a 30/30 in my hands if I came across a 500 lbs+ bear. It is a great timber rifle for deer but here in PA bears are taken every year that top 700 LBS and that is too much animal for reliable quick kills with a 30-30. I would thinkMinnesota would also support large 500 + lbs bear. If you really like the marlin lever guns there are much better choices like the 45/70 and 444 Marlin for large black bear. In a bolt action I would choose 308 or 30-06.

Deerslayer500 · 04-13-2009, 11:44 AM

Ok thanks for all the good information!

HEAD0001 · 04-13-2009, 12:42 PM

I would go with a fast handling lever action in a big bore cartridge. A 44 magnum or a 45-70 would be a great choice. However the big bores are a good bit more expensive than a Marlin 336 in 30-30.

If your budget is limited the Marlin 336 in 30-30 would make a fine choice for Northern Black Bear. Just go with the heavier bullets, and with the lower priced 30-30 ammo it will be cheaper to practice. That is the real beauty of a lever action in 44 magnum. Practice is fun, and a whole lot cheaper. And the 44 magnum will definitely do the job. Tom.

hossdaniels · 04-13-2009, 12:57 PM

30-06, same size hole as a 30-30butmore thump behind it. You do know that if you screw this up, they will eat you?

HEAD0001 · 04-13-2009, 01:05 PM

Fellows he said "Black Bear in MN", not Kodiac Brown Bear. You guys have got to be kidding when you say the 30-30 is inadequate for black bear?? I would much rather have a fast second shot from a lever in 30-30 if I need it, rather than a slower bolt action that a new hunter would most certainly pull off target to function the bolt!!

A lot of hunters knock the 30-30 lever action. And that is a mistake IMO. The 30-30 is one fine cartridge in a fast handling lever action. And the rig will not break the bank. Tom.

bugsNbows · 04-13-2009, 01:23 PM

+1 HEAD. Another fine (closely related ) caliber choice is the .32 Win Spl. It will thump blackies with very mild recoil.

biscuit jake · 04-13-2009, 02:34 PM

Nothing against the grand 06, but I haven't seen anything up there that the 30 30 couldn't handle in the woods. Nice to have a follow up shot. Let us know if you spot any cougars.

RugerMike · 04-13-2009, 03:18 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: HEAD0001

Fellows he said "Black Bear in MN", not Kodiac Brown Bear. You guys have got to be kidding when you say the 30-30 is inadequate for black bear?? I would much rather have a fast second shot from a lever in 30-30 if I need it, rather than a slower bolt action that a new hunter would most certainly pull off target to function the bolt!!

A lot of hunters knock the 30-30 lever action. And that is a mistake IMO. The 30-30 is one fine cartridge in a fast handling lever action. And the rig will not break the bank. Tom.

I have to agree.
Even a good pump action 12ga with foster slugs is a fine choice for the bears you would encounter in MN, if your on a limited budget. JMO