7.62x39 as bear rifle???
#11
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,425
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From: Bossier City LA United States
For close range on bear, I would think that would be quite effective if shot placement was good.
#13
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 283
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From: Dunkirk MD USA
for a secondary bear weapon i think the 7.62x39 would be fine as long as you got a SKS/AK ...something with a 10 or more round capacity but think it's pretty small caliber if used as a primary weapon.
if you're looking for defensive weapon i would use the .444 or .450 marlin lever action, they have good stopping power and are short and easy to handle while bow hunting.
if you're looking for defensive weapon i would use the .444 or .450 marlin lever action, they have good stopping power and are short and easy to handle while bow hunting.
#14
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,361
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From: dedham massachusetts USA
i would go with a 30-06 over the 308win just becuase they can handle heavier bullets better.
35rem works just as good. light kicker ammo is cheap and the lever actions out there ( used go for around $200.00 and up )
35rem works just as good. light kicker ammo is cheap and the lever actions out there ( used go for around $200.00 and up )
#15
Just a thought though, what about the surplus 7.62X39 ammo that had a steel core? For close range on bear, I would think that would be quite effective if shot placement was good.
#16
FMJs= very good penetration+ very little tissue damage.
A little anecdote:
Last fall I took a friend out shooting and let him shoot my M1 loaded with ball ammo. He shot at a pumpkin (uncarved) at 100 yards. I expected the pumpkin to explode when hit, but after 6 shots, the pumpkin did not move. We took a look at it, there were 6 bullet holes that went completely through the pumpkin- the holes were actually much smaller than the bullet diameter also. About the only use for non expanding bullets is Cape buffalo and Elephants, where smashing through skulls and massive bones and muscle is needed to hit a vital organ or brain.
A little anecdote:
Last fall I took a friend out shooting and let him shoot my M1 loaded with ball ammo. He shot at a pumpkin (uncarved) at 100 yards. I expected the pumpkin to explode when hit, but after 6 shots, the pumpkin did not move. We took a look at it, there were 6 bullet holes that went completely through the pumpkin- the holes were actually much smaller than the bullet diameter also. About the only use for non expanding bullets is Cape buffalo and Elephants, where smashing through skulls and massive bones and muscle is needed to hit a vital organ or brain.
#17
WRONG!! When I was stationed in Alaska, two troops from Ft. Richardson took two M1 rifles and GI M2 Ball ammo out bear hunting onb the Kenai Penisnula. They were later fouind mauled to death by a coastal brownie, which was aslo found dead not over 100 yards away. it had 16 wounds from the .30 cal bullets, 16 empty GI cases and two used M1 clips were found nearby too. Now, not all the shots hit vital spots, but the moral was clear! DON'T use pointed FMJ bullets on bears!!
#18
"God, those guys must have been terrified seeing that their bullets weren't bringing down the big bear."
I suspect so! But not for very long! When I first heard this story, I didn't believe it, until I read the results of the Summary Court and Line of Duty investigations into the incident.
I suspect so! But not for very long! When I first heard this story, I didn't believe it, until I read the results of the Summary Court and Line of Duty investigations into the incident.
#19
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,491
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From:
Hi high country ultra force,
If you are interested in more information concerning the 7.62X54R cartridge this site provides a little insight:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/30Russian.htm
Hope this helps!
Dave
If you are interested in more information concerning the 7.62X54R cartridge this site provides a little insight:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/30Russian.htm
Hope this helps!
Dave




