Getting 3025fps out of my 18” with 143 Hammer Hunters. It doesn’t have much free bore so I’m jamming the lands loading 3 grains below what I run in my 22”. Researching increasing free bore with a throating reamer.
First things first, just go for it. That said, prepare yourself for an encounter and be ready to react. I’ve had years in Colorado that I’ve come face to face with bears several times a day. Also had years where I didn’t see any. Having a tag in your pockets helps with the latter 🤣.
I hunt...
Bear grind is awesome for tacos and chili, etc. Much better than beef, in my opinion. As stated above, roasts are also great for any beef or venison recipe. We usually keep about 20-30 pounds for summer sausage to use in sandwiches throughout the year.
I’ll second the forestry mulcher. There is no better tool for that job. I would check local classifieds for someone doing it for hire with their machine though. By the time you rent a skid and the mulching head AND get the hang of using it, you’ll be well over $1k.
I’d rather deal with finish issues on the outside of the action than risk creating issues with the internal machining. An exterior wrench and a quick strike with a hammer has always worked for me with Tikkas. Howas have been a different story. I’ve had to relieve the barrels on the two I’ve done.
I was blessed with large calves also -just measured and they're 17.5". Outdoor research has several sizes available but their sizing chart sucks. I will check the size of mine tonight.