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Caliber for Bear protection!

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Caliber for Bear protection!

Old 07-24-2008, 07:01 PM
  #41  
Nontypical Buck
 
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Default RE: Caliber for Bear protection!

For Black Bears, .357 Mag with hot 180 grwould be a minimum. Grizzly Bears .44 Mag. with 300 gr. solid cast hot loads or heavier caliber.
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Old 07-24-2008, 11:24 PM
  #42  
 
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Default RE: Caliber for Bear protection!



Here is what I am planning on getting. No such thing as to dead. Ihave spent my all my life hunting in bear country, and never had more than an intense encounter, but better to be ready than dead.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&a mp;productId=49906&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15707&isFirearm=Y

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Old 07-25-2008, 07:47 PM
  #43  
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Default RE: Caliber for Bear protection!

I have hunted with several Bear hunting guides, All carried 12 Ga shotguns for back-up. Thats good enough for me.
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Old 07-25-2008, 09:25 PM
  #44  
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Default RE: Caliber for Bear protection!

I have hunted with several Bear hunting guides, All carried 12 Ga shotguns for back-up. Thats good enough for me.
That's fine if you don't have your hands already carrying something or hunting Elk in Grizzly country. If you'd happen to get into a tight spot in a situation where you can't be carrying a shotgun besides a rifle, I'd still carry at least a .44 mag at my side. At close range anyway a scoped big game rifle can be tough to make any kind of accurate shot with.
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Old 07-26-2008, 05:15 AM
  #45  
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Default RE: Caliber for Bear protection!

The reason black bear attacks are up is that 'civilization' is encroaching more and more into their territory, AND the people moving into these developments generally have an opinion of bears reinforced by the 'cuddly-fuzzy' image fostered by what they see on TV... They don't realize a black bear is a potentially deadly wild animal!

The requirement for protection is to use a gun that shoots hard bullets of good sectional density that YOU can shoot fast & accurtely under the stress of a close encounter. Even a .45 with GI hardball ammo will suffice, because you have to get the bullet into the critter's brain right now to stay in one piece.
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Old 07-26-2008, 09:46 AM
  #46  
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Default RE: Caliber for Bear protection!

My buddey from alaska uaaully carrys around this old marlin 45/70 open sightsand he has killed countless grizzleys with that thing he says pepper spray does nothing on account bears really cant see that good it will jsut get them mad unless u use that magnum stuff. Just my 2 cents
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Old 07-26-2008, 10:21 AM
  #47  
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Default RE: Caliber for Bear protection!

ORIGINAL: ox1443

My buddey from alaska uaaully carrys around this old marlin 45/70 open sightsand he has killed countless grizzleys with that thing he says pepper spray does nothing on account bears really cant see that good it will jsut get them mad unless u use that magnum stuff. Just my 2 cents
Well, there are instances of people deterring a grizzly attack with bear spray, BUT I too would much prefer that .45/70 Marlin!!
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Old 07-26-2008, 08:37 PM
  #48  
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Default RE: Caliber for Bear protection!

if you are carrying a .40S&W for bear protection you should probably be carrying HP or some other frangible bullet. That's what i'd do anyhow. the more stopping power the better
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Old 07-27-2008, 10:57 AM
  #49  
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Default RE: Caliber for Bear protection!

A revolver will be your best bet. I would atleast use a 357 mag with a stout load. For me, im getting a Ruger Super Blackhawk 44mag and will load it with +P+ loads. I think the 44mag is one of the best. A 454 Casull is also not a bad choice but your more limited on your gun selection.
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