RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

6.5mm 140gr Spitzer

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

How did I know you would say that?:DWell anyway, I could not agree more. Excellent choice. My Son and I used that very combo for Black Bear in Sask. I got a 500lb + bear and my sons was about 400 lbs.

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

Don't know where you will be hunting or your range limitations. But if your shots would be less than 100 yds. you have tons of options. What actions do you like. I would tell you to get something that delivers a minimum of 1200 ftlb of energy at your maximum range.
If your limited to commercial ammo or on a tight budget, you can't go wrong with the good old .30-06 and you can usually pick a good used one up at just about any gun shop.

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

I agree with on the 30-30 is good enough for the game chosen if you arre comfortable with close shots, well the 7mag, 270wsm,7wsm,300wsm would all be good choices to!:D

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

For what your hunting, you have so many choices. From the 257 Roberts on up. What's your preference on gun, bolt, lever, pump? That will be more a factor in choosing IMO.

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

I know that Black Bears are not too aggressive, but I don't think I'd purposely challenge anything that bites with a 30-30, or a .243 for that matter!
I'd start with at least a .260!

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

My favorite is the 308 Win. Excellent caliber with a wide selection of bullets to match distance, terrain and game.

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

You can't go wrong with an '06. It'll take down 90-95% of what's on the North American continent (and has probably been used successfully on the remaining 5-10%). I have both an '06 and a .308.

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

(.243Win., 6mmRem.), (.260Rem.,6.5mmSwede.), .30-30Win.

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

I can't state anything that hasn't already been said.

I would go with a .270win or wsm, .308, or 7mm. I've never really been a fan of the 30-06. Just my opinion. I am a big fan of the .270win and .308.

If you want to go with some money, I would say go for the .270 weatherby mag. just b/c ive always wanted one. lol;)