"...back in the early 70's Val Forgett took a .58 to Africa and shot all the big 5 with it. Can't recall the powder charge now, but I tried that load in mine...it was up to brown bear I believe. I'm sure if Val were still alive he'd agree."

Val used 180 grains of FFF and a 610 gran Mini..........never met the man, but I like his thinking!

I'd do it, and make sure my guide was a slower runner than me and that he carried a large center fire rifle.

i seem to remember seeing stories on the dish about the corp of discovery ( lewis and clark expedition) when encountering grizzlies they had to unload all there 54 cal. harpers ferry rifles on them to drop one. i would think you could come up with a load for brown bear but do some re-search on those who have gone before.

Thanks BS. Couldn't remember the load...but remember the god awful recoil. Went back to normal loads after that. Saw that Navy Arms was making a few of those rifles again a couple years ago...sent an e-mail to Mr. Forgett cause thatarticle came to mind andhow it got me hooked into blackpowder rifles.His son e-mailed me back that his father had passed away. Sure hated to hear that and like you...I liked his thinking.

I would use a 300 grain Barnes Expander MZ in .50 caliber ahead of three Pyrodex pellets. High horsepower. And a second rifle all loaded and primed - in the hands of a trusted companion.

Thats like going shark fishing with 50 pound test LOL.I would not go without a backup shooter.

Wish I had a $100 bill for every thresher I saw caught on 20# class line.

Just makes you wonder how the Natives did it with spear and bow & arrow, doesn't it? If they can't breathe they can't walk. 50. Cal on up, through the lungs, behind the heavy stuff (shoulders), dead bear in thirty yards.

P.S. Make sure you have at least 40 yards before pulling the trigger. LOL