sheep - 270 vs 6.5cm

Joined
Apr 4, 2017
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north idaho
just read an article in wild sheep magazine. take this for what you want, Craig boddington chooses the 270 over the 6.5cm.
both will work.
 

HornPorn

WKR
Joined
Oct 7, 2020
Messages
320
How many people have actually shot a charging grizzly bear inside of 40 yards with a 6.5 CM, 7mm-08, 260 rem, etc. (or any other centerfire rifle smaller than a .30) and the bear continued to attack?

I have had multiple encounters with interior grizzly bears while hunting, and fortunately have not had to shoot any. I don't disagree that bigger is better, but a 120-140 grain bullet @ 2850+fps is going to cause some serious discomfort/damage to any animal. I'd be real interested to hear of an actual firsthand story where a good shot was made with a centerfire rifle, and the grizz kept coming as if nothing happened.

Almost every grizzly story out there where there was a bad ending, the victim either had no weapon, only had spray, or had a weapon that they were not able to use due to a variety of factors.

I know that there are hunting stories of grizz wounded at whatever distance broadside with larger calibers, that went into alders, etc. and then charged, etc., but that is not what we are talking about (Sheep hunting, and all of a sudden a bear comes at you and the first shot is made at close range, head on with a 6.5-.284 caliber). I think it is highly likely a charging grizz shot with any centerfire rifle is going to either pause in confusion and offer a follow up shot, or is going to veer off. Just the sound of a high powered rifle makes them retreat in most instances, much less excruciating pain to go along with the noise.
 
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Viper*6

FNG
Joined
Feb 14, 2022
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Washington
The 270 Win is my "go to rifle". Killed 2 Dalls along with a grizz on one of the hunts and a Rocky Mountain bighorn. The 270 gits r done.
 

ColeyG

WKR
Joined
Oct 25, 2017
Messages
378
There is a very big difference between killing a brown bear, and killing a charging brown bear that has made up it's mind to destroy you.

Though it wouldn't be my first choice, I'd have full confidence that a 6.5CM could kill a relaxed brown bear with a well placed shot. I know this has been done successfully a few times at least.

I would have very little confidence in one 6.5CM round changing a pissed of brownies mind, let alone disabling its body, while it was charging at close range. Especially with a rapid expansion hunting type bullet in the tube, which would be the case for me.

Granted, I have no real experience shooting charging brown bears from which to speak.
 
Joined
Jun 15, 2016
Messages
2,830
If I was packing a 6.5 CM up north I would keep 140gr nosler partitions in until its time to shoot a ram, then put in your soft point/polymer tip.

I'm guessing a 140 gr NP at near muzzle velocity would blow a rather nice hole in a bear skull
 

trapperJ

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Dec 24, 2013
Messages
143
Location
All over AK
If you have a man bun and/or have a hat with a bill so flat it actually curves upwards the 6.5 is perfect. Otherwise get a 270. :)

A Tikka is a long weather you go Manbun or 270 so just as well go with the 270 but either will work just fine.

Stopping a bear at short range is more about a central nervous hit as anything else. The "power" difference between the two in that circumstance probably wouldn't make a difference.
 
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