Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

I know I'll get some interesting responses to this one.

You are going to be put 100 yards away from an 975 pound grizzly bear who is at once extremely hungry, and equally unhappy to see you. The bear has acquired you, and begins at you, as fast as he can go.

The rules:

You have a leg iron holding you in place. The bear does not. You have no other weaponry or accoutrements that will keep your flesh from his intestines.

You may choose any single firearm from your collection loaded to capacity.

What'll it be mac?


My Choice

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

Dude, I thought you got yourself eaten by one of those brown bear up AK way!

Did you get to test your theory on the shotgun vs. Ursilus Horriblus yet?

BTW, I will STILL choose a large caliber rifle in the above mentioned scenario.;)

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

I would use my .340 Wby. Mag. with 250 gr. Barnes XFB (my handloads). Good luck.

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

It'd be a toss up between my .444 Marlin with 300 grain bullets or one of my 12 ga's with full bore 3" slugs.

I'd probably go with the .444 though.

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

I'd take my 358 Norma Mag for this situation.

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

My remington SP 10 semi auto 10ga. shotgun(yes they make and it can fire 10 ga. slugs)

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

I'm not much into nightmares so figuring a grizzly hunt....

416 Rigby - 400 gr. Barnes X - at about 2650fps -- 5 rounds weigh half a pound.
No need for the leg iron, can't out run them anyway, no need for lots of capacity, he'll arrive in 4 to 5 seconds or so.

I guess I could go the shotgun route with my Ithaca Mag 10 or side by side 10 bore; however, I don't think that I would ever leave home in pursuit of grizzly using a s-h-o-t-g-u-n as my primary hunting tool. I might leave one in camp as a kitchen gun or for strolling out to the john. If I make that kind of a trip, then I plan on taking the animal for the trophy and I don't want to watch it breakoff its charge at 70 yards with a non-lethal hit and then turn around and run off into the woods with my rug. I want him to die right there.

I look forward to the posts from those talking about "polar bears and 223's".

Good Luck and Good Hunting,
EKM

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

I'm a bit of an amateur when it comes to dangerous game but I think I'd go with my Remington 12 ga pump, 1st 2 shots are slugs, last 3 are heavy buck.

Oh yeah, if my leg is chained, how am I going to change my very stained pants after all this happens. Assuming I'm still alive.

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

OOOOO no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My 870 loaded with 5 rounds of 000 buck. I would aim at the head and bring him down like infamous monster griz in this "never seen before pic":D

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

Theres lots of rifles capable of the job. It'd would be the one time I wished I owned a 50cal with a lucky shot right through the chest. But in reality I hoped I brought along a shotgun with alternating 00 buck and slugs. The 444 marlin with the fast action would probally get you more shots and in that circumstance hopefully one hit its mark.

Have you seen those bears move? Lets just pray that you never get in that predictament. If your wife sends you on a grizzyly hunt then you know where you stand. haha

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

Ill take a 50 cal.750 grain sniper rifle

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

trophyhuntr,

You actually have a 50 BMG sniper rifle? --- cool.

Good Luck and Good Hunting,
EKM

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

Why would I want too waste any shells, I would use my hunting knife and slice his jagular, the bear in the first place would not want to mess with me as he would problably run in the other direction. My presense enough would scare him. ;) Bobby

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

I'd talk to him about his anger managment issues...:DNo need to take a gun...In that situation, I'd be shaking to bad to hit him anyway.

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

I'd probably just take a roll of duct tape and catch him. ;)

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

I always take a real fat freind with me. If that doesn't work then the 12 guage with slug/shot/slug is my choice and if that don't work a .22 for my temple. Been real close to Alaska browns and they make me nervous.

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

12 gauge 3 1/2 inch 000 buck 6 shots. Wait I wouldn't need that. I would hall a$$. I don't care if I have a leg iron on. I would drag that behind.:D Wait a second. What would you be doing in the bear country with a leg iron?;)

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

Benelli 3" 12 ga. first shots sabot slugs that you have a chance at the 100-50 yard range to put through the chest or head. Keep shooting and loading with 00 buck at the head and neck til there's nothing left to shoot.

The only other firearm I'd choose is .300 WM Tikka with Premium Fail Safe or Nosler cartridges. Better be sure to make every round count!

Lord, I wouldn't hope that situation on anyone though. Whew!

Well, maybe there are a few lowlifes you see in the news... ;)

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

I read just this very thing years ago in field and stream only the distance was 25 yards. The research was done by Ballistic experts and Grizzly Bear hunting guides. They listed the top thirty and I don't recall all of them but the number one stopper was the 458 Win Mag. At close range velocity is not the best thing to have on your side. At close range it puts to much stress on the bullet. The 30-06 was in the top ten as was the 45-70 and 12 Ga shotgun. They said you have to be able to hit a target the size of a grapefruit to stop old Grizz short. Recovery time from recoil and the ability of the bullet to hang together were critical. The old 303 British was up there a ways as well. The claim only a brain shot is a sure thing once the charge begins. Somewhere I still have that artical.

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

JamesB,

Shortening up the distance WOULD change the game substantially wouldn't it?

At 25 yards INSTEAD of a 100 yards AND with the charge already started --- one shot is likely all one will get and for that scenario some of those article choices are fine choices. In any case, penetrating through to hit the CNS, come thick or thin, square or glancing, would indeed be a goodly thing to accomplish.

Heavy monolithic (one material) bullets at medium speeds (instead of hyper-velocities) just keep on plowing in a straight line -- even to the extent one has got to be careful when there is more than one animal so you don't pick up a "double."

In other parts of the world where Dangerous Game is much more common, the typical practice is to load a soft point first (so you are likely to only hit a single animal if there is a group) and then follow that up with monolithics in the magazine (should they come looking for you). Of course, in this imaginary scenario with the 100 yard grizzly, the critter is already coming for you, hence the heavy medium speed monolithics right from the get go --- don't have to wait for them to get close either.

Personally I'll pass on the 30-06 and the 303 British though.

If you get a chance, then scan in the article and post it or if its on the web then the link for it. I think it would be fun reading.

Good Luck and Good Hunting,
EKM

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

OK 100 yards - 975 lb grizz
Here goes > I am a bolt man because I believe in one shot but with these options you gave I would switch to a pump. The auto would worry me..murphy's law would set in sure as ..well you know.
Any pump who cares fill it with 3"mag slugs and lets get ready to rumble
There always time to change you panties later!

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

When I lived in Wyoming and had some outfitter/guide acquaintances it was a toss up between guns and bearspray. I've heard more good outcomes with spray than guns at close range. I use to do timber work and archery hunted in griz country and spray is all I carried. The odds of getting the spray into the grizzlies face is better than making a killing shot while your crapping your pants. That stuff is nasty and most of the time stops the bear. I'll stick with the spray if I could only carry one. If I could, I'd carry both and that way if the bear did get on top of me I might then be able to put one in his ear. I wouldn't want to unnecessarily kill a bear when I caused the encounter as in surprising it and it just trying to defend itself. If he was in a predator mode and wanted to eat me, then I'd want to kill it. The bears are just doing what bears do.

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

While hunting grizzly I was charged by a grizzly weighing right around 400lbs.I fired at 40 yards stopping the bear in his tracks.He swung sideways and I fired again dropping the bear causing him to roll down the slope coming to rest dead.The cartridge was a 338x8mmremmag(8mmremmag necked up to 338)shooting a 210gr jensen j26 at 3100fps.The first shot entered the throat, penetrated lengthwise and stopped along the spine at the rear hip.The second shot broke both front shoulders.We were climbing a steep slope and the bear was coming at us down a sheep trail so there was no option of retreat or climbing a tree.

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

Elkcamp. I will try to find that article again then I could have my son put it on for me as I don't have a scanner or the knowledge to use one. The artical said to practice, try spinning around and hitting a crapefruit in 2 seconds or less. One has to admit that this would be a pretty tough job as the target would also be moving. Avoiding this situation is by far the best bet. The 30-06 with 220 grain bullets performed awful well in thier tests for penetration at close range. They also listed the old 30-40 Craig. Some of the calibers listed were no doubt listed because of thier use for many years in big game country before more modern cartridges were even around. Records show that one grizzly which was world record size was killed in Wyoming with one shot from a 30-30. The fact that these old cartridges were carried for so many years by so many people would place them in quite a few catagories of big game hunting and self defense situations. I do remember that the 458 with 500 grain bullets was the champ out penetrating the 460 Weatherby in tests for penetration. The tests were all done with hunting bullets, that is the bullets most hunters would be useing for big game in grizzly country. It was interesting thus I put it away to save. I was in my own mid stages of Magnumitis at the time and it got me in the notion to buy my 416 Rem Mag which was very new at that time. I shot it a lot but finally came to the conclussion that I would rather be hit by the bear.:D I do think though that the 416 Rem Mag would be one of the best choices for hunting in Bear country. The power of that thing is awsome. Mine was a Ruger NO-l single shot. The best thing about shooting it was that none of my other little mags like the 338 and 300 Weatherby seemed to kick at all in comparison. If I got to thinking they kicked hard I could go shoot the 416 again. Now my shooting shoulder is shot and they all hurt like hell.

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

Let's see here, out of the guns in my collection?

I'd just hide behind ElKampMaster.


The only guns I have would include a 300win mag, 12ga pump, 30-06 single shot, 50 cal muzzleloader. None of which other than the 300win mag would I take to bear country. And even with that I'm not too sure about if the bear is charging.

I think pepper spray would be my best defence in that situation.

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

I think I would have to take my 375 ultra mag. Cant think of anything better than that for myself. A friend of mine had a hunt up by Kodiak Isle. Had a 13 footer charge him and his guide. The guide hid behind him. he put four rounds in the bears chest , and he finally dropped dead at 7 steps. He was useing his 375 RUM. Thats a BIG CRITTER TO BE MESSING AROUND WITH . So I would have to go with my 375RUM also.

Thanks for the post.

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

I think my .338 or my 12 gauge semi auto that holds up to 9 rounds with magnum buckshot loads would be nice. As I was charged by a momma bear with 2 cubs last year and had to climb a tree with my brothers and my dad, I want to be able to get off as many rounds as I can that can seriously hurt that bear!

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

That sure sounds like a winning option. Even if he don't kill it before it get there at least he is in front and hopefuly you could sneak off quietly while the bear is filling its belly.;);):D[8D]

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

I would have to say thats not the situation I really want to try findting out which gun would work better but im sure a good 'ol .50 cal mounted machine gun to a F-150 sittin on about 4 inches of lift with the big 36 inch tires and one heck of a brush gaurd.:D

If I couldnt have that I would have to say a pistol gripped 12 ga. pump loaded with 3 1/2 inch buck shot with a really ported barrel. Buck shot gives you more room to be off than with slugs. That and aim for the head.

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

Is worthwhile to study the conditions of the thread's orginal post --- firearms from your collection --- dream weapons not withstanding.

------------------------------------------------------
BTW, if any of you folks want to spring for the ticket to get us up there and set to play for the proposed "me or him"/ELKampMaster Sacrifice grizzly/brownie hunt, then I'll be glad to stand at the point of attack between you and said bear (100 yard version). Rules of engagement to be negotiated.

Good Luck and Good Hunting,
EKM

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

Had an old timer once tell me that he carried a .380acp in griz country just in case. When I asked him why not something bigger he said when the bear charges, shoot the guide in the foot, and run like hell...But I wouldn't want to be in that situation with anything in my arsenal...

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

LOL!:D You're a good shot under pressure right?;)

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

Terms to be negotiated.....
I buy the airfare, you take care of the license/outfitter, etc. etc. Also, an escape clause just in case some unusual strings come attached like, ".... as discussed but you have to do it AFTER nightfall, or in a raging spring blizzard, etc. I figure the bear will have no interest in negotiating anything.

Good shot under pressure? I guess we'd find out together, as that would definitely redefine pressure, especially if I am the only one armed (aside from the guide)!

Good Luck and Good Hunting,
EKM

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

Of what I have in my Arsenal right now it would have to be my Marlin 45-70. 350 grain Hornaday Round Nose at 1900 fps.

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

Remember, you don't have to run faster than the bear, just faster than the other folks with you.

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

I would bring my wife so she could talk him to death.:D

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

No much from my arsenal is way up in the high caliber range, just 7Mag.

But here is a short and funny story. Several years ago, a buddy and I went up to Alaska to visit a good bud and we were going to be dropped in the bush for moose. My buddies uncle flew helicoptors in and out from the north shores and we spent the night at his place before we flew out the next day. We were pumped for the hunt and talking about many things, and somehow I mentioned that a friend back home sent his .357 along with me just for the heck of it. Something to either carry or have in camp, or whatever. So this guy goes on to tell me that I should file the front sight off of it, and he was a serious as all get out, and stupid me asked why in the "H" would I want to do that, muchless on a gun I don't even own......he said that because when the grizz takes it and shoves it up my a$$ it wouldn't hurt so much! LOL...

I guess I deserved that one for even asking... :-)

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

45-70 400gr FMJ

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

I haven't done any big game hunting but if I had to pick one gun out of my collection the good ol' Rem 760 in 30-06 would get the job. The problem is I'd have five shots at him and probably three or four of those would be in him before he got 50 yards from me and then it would be how quick could I reload. Hopefully, he would be dead before he got to me. I wouldn't choose my 12 ga since he's so far away to start with.

RE: Grizzly bear challenge, 100 yard full charge
 

45/70 Marlin guide gun, 420 grain Garrett hammerheads, 5 of them as quick as I can, quick change of underwear and I'll be on my way.