bear hunting weapons of choice.

[Seriousshooter1]

Im going black bear hunting in Montana in the spring and have never been gonna take a short barred 45-70 trapper and a 10mm side arm will this be sufficient?

 

[Soj51hopeful]

Do you have some hounds lined up? Unless you’re going to shoot one out of a tree, why the short 45-70?

 

[Seriousshooter1]

Do you have some hounds lined up? Unless you’re going to shoot one out of a tree, why the short 45-70?

gonna be doing some hiking through some thick woods and I intend on getting pretty close.

 

[Soj51hopeful]

Well that’ll do it in those conditions. That’s not how most guys spring bear hunt, but maybe you know something I don’t. Have at it.

 

[Luke S]

I'd prefer something with more range. You might get close or you might find 200 or 300 yards is as close as you can get.
Also I suggest a scope regardless of rifle. Several times brush hunting has meant shooting through a narrow window and missing small branches. You imagine a quick CQB style shot but you get a tricky shot that needs to be precise. Several of my bears were like that

 

[mustelid_master]

Shoot the same rifle you'd shoot for deer. Sidearms are a "take it or leave it" situation. I never have carried on. Most people are overly concerned with grizzlies. Don't overthink it.

 

[Decker9]

I love sneaking on bears in the spring time with an open sighted thumper. When the wind is good and they’re in the feed, is amazing how close a guy can get. Makes for an exciting hunt!!

 

[j3h8]

Weapon of choice would depend on how limited you want to be. Certainly you could take a recurve now but now you're stuck having to get 40 yards and under. Ok, you want more range? Take a front end stuffer (muzzleloader), now your limit has been upped to 150-200 yards (average shooter). Oh, you want more range but quick follow-up shots? Ah, now you're at a 45-70 but you're still limited to 150-200ish yards. Oh shit, the bears are consistently being located 400 yards out and it's nigh on impossible to get in closer than 300 yards. Damnit, wish I would have brought that old trusty bolt gun or other rifle with an option for as much range as you can get with fancy scope. This is how I would evaluate what I'd bring with me.

Spring bear are generally not located in thick cover. They are out eating fresh growth in more open areas. Doesn't mean you can't find them in the thick stuff, they will be there also. YMMV

 

[Athens]

I highly suggest not using the 10mm it don’t carry enough velocity to penetrate at any distance! Yes it will work at point blank range but I watched a guy put six rounds in a bear and it’s didn’t even phase him! It’s not that fun tracking a wounded bear and after 16 yrs applying you don’t want to mess up a chance at a good one! Use the 35!

 

[j3h8]

I highly suggest not using the 10mm it don’t carry enough velocity to penetrate at any distance! Yes it will work at point blank range but I watched a guy put six rounds in a bear and it’s didn’t even phase him! It’s not that fun tracking a wounded bear and after 16 yrs applying you don’t want to mess up a chance at a good one! Use the 35!

What bullets was he using in the 10mm? I find it highly suspect that it wouldn't penetrate if using proper bullets.

 

[buffybr]

I've only hunted black bears twice. Both times by driving old logging roads in the spring to spot the bear, then stalking close enough for a shot. Both times I also only carried a pistol, and both bears were one shot kills, one with my 1911 .45 acp and the other with my 7 1/2" Ruger .44 mag Super Blackhawk...