What rifle? Decisions
02-18-2019, 01:27 PM
#1
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 381
What rifle? Decisions
Seems that the hardest decision to make is always which muzzleloader do I want to use . I am going bear hunting for spring bear in Idaho . Haven’t been Bear hunting since no bears reside in my state , so I’m really looking forward to it.
Kind of a toss up between using a good long range inline to up my odds or an old school traditional and try to get up close and personal. Tough decision . Or maybe use something like my favorite White Super Safari
this is a spot and stalk hunt. No bait , no hounds, etc
Kind of a toss up between using a good long range inline to up my odds or an old school traditional and try to get up close and personal. Tough decision . Or maybe use something like my favorite White Super Safari
this is a spot and stalk hunt. No bait , no hounds, etc
Last edited by 1874sharpsshooter; 02-18-2019 at 01:39 PM. Reason: Typo
02-18-2019, 03:09 PM
#3
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: River Ridge, LA (Suburb of New Orleans)
Posts: 10,917
My first thought was I would use my .58 H&A underhammer with round balls. My second thought was "You idiot, that thing is 54" long, has a 32" barrel and weighs 11 lbs." My final thought was my Omega X7 with 300 grain XTPs would do quite well for bear with an overall length of 37 inches and weighing in at 6.5 lbs. with a 23" barrel and a 4X scope. So the question is, just how much walking will be involved in that spot & stalk?
Last edited by Semisane; 02-18-2019 at 03:15 PM.
02-18-2019, 05:12 PM
#4
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 381
My first thought was I would use my .58 H&A underhammer with round balls. My second thought was "You idiot, that thing is 54" long, has a 32" barrel and weighs 11 lbs." My final thought was my Omega X7 with 300 grain XTPs would do quite well for bear with an overall length of 37 inches and weighing in at 6.5 lbs. with a 23" barrel and a 4X scope. So the question is, just how much walking will be involved in that spot & stalk?
so I guess that should be figured into the equation
02-20-2019, 02:55 PM
#6
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Eastern PA
Posts: 12,745
Man that is a tough one. I would love to take one with my .58 Rene. And on your hunt I'd talk to the outfitter (if you're using one). Maybe you can get more info on average shot distance, terrain, etc. IMO, if you stay downwind of a bear they aren't all that difficult to get in on provided the cover is adequate and you can move quietly. You can surely get within 75 yards and that would be no problem for a .54 or .58 PRB.
On the other hand, If you're concerned about eating tag soup after the hunt the you'd best take an inline. Give you more range especially if a scope is permitted.
On the other hand, If you're concerned about eating tag soup after the hunt the you'd best take an inline. Give you more range especially if a scope is permitted.
02-21-2019, 05:12 AM
#10
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,585
I guess its what works for the individual. I have shot and hunted with every caliber from 40 to 72 and for hunting big game especially bare and deer I use my .54 with 129 grains of RS and a .535 ball with a ticking patch lubed with coon grease. Works best for me.
I find the higher velocity to give both the best accurate long range and the best hitting power. I know there will people who quote number to disagree and people who think a bigger ball shot slower works better but after trying them all on deer and the 58 and 54 on bear this is what works best for me.
I find the higher velocity to give both the best accurate long range and the best hitting power. I know there will people who quote number to disagree and people who think a bigger ball shot slower works better but after trying them all on deer and the 58 and 54 on bear this is what works best for me.
