whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

What is a good caliber for black bear and whitetail deer? I have a .243 but I am guessing that it is too small for bear.

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

IMO, your guess is correct. I'd recommend such as the 280Remington, 308Win., and the 30-06. With the heavier bullets available in these three (160gr., 165, 175, 180's) they will handle the bears, and of course, are plenty for any deer.

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

.270 &30-06 are 2 of the most popular black bear/deer guns

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

30-30 would work too. 100+ yards for deer, and usually bear are in closer range. I have never hunted bear, however, usually it's done at close range and in the woods around here. It's nice to have a lever gun that you can easily get around and up a tree with.

30.06 or 270 will work for both as well.

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

A 30-06 will handle both whitetails and black bears perfectly. A great caliber for all north american game.

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

There are many many good rounds suitable for black bear and deer. IMO they start with the .243 and work up to the .375 H&H.

The .270-.280-.30-06 class are more than powerful enough for the task. My personal preference for this category of game is the .25-06, .260, 7-08 class of cartridges. The .260 and 6.5 X 55 being at the top of my list. The .243 will do the job as well on deer but for a 400 pound black bear I'd like a little more oomph.

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

7mm-08, 308, 30-06 would be my main considerations.

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

I guess it all depends on what the conditions are that you will be hunting. How far will the shots be? If you are going to shoot beyond 150 yards, a .270 on up a .375 will be fine. I would probably recommend a .30-06 since factory ammo is easy to find anywhere in the world. If the shots are closer and in thicker areas, don't rule out the .45-70. This caliber gets no love but I really like my Marlin in that caliber. It would have no problem taking down a bear and I don't have to track a deer when it gets hit with a 300 grain bullet. ;) It would also make a great Elk rifle which I plan on hunting next year.

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

Most of the all around calibers will work well. This would include but not me limited to the 270, 7-08, 280, 7MM Mags, 308, 30-06, & the 300 Mags.

If you aren't a handloader I would choose the 30-06. Ammo is available just about everywhere and there are a plethora of loads available.

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

7 X 57 and 8 X 57 are also good choices. If you habdload you have many options.