What does it take to kill a grizzly?

pbroski

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Sep 24, 2019
Messages
177
Location
Northern BC
I have never killed a grizzly, but have considerable experience with killing black bears. I have killed at least 30 myself and have witnessed at least another 20 being killed. I also have been given accurate first hand accounts of the killing of another 10 or so, after having been on scene after the fact.

The cartridges used were .223, 22-250, .280AI, .308, .30-06, .300wm, .338wm, 9.3x62, .375H&H, .416 Rigby and 45-70.

Analyzing the results from hits which were not to the CNS, I didn't really see any difference between any of the cartridges from .223 to .338, plus the 45-70 and .416. After the shot, the bear usually would run for from about 5 feet to about 50 yards, then drop and die. When using the 9.3 or .375, the bear would drop at the shot, would not be able to get back up, and would not need a follow-up shot. Only one was shot with the .416. I doubt the bullet expanded because it was a bullet designed for bigger stuff, like cape buffalo.

So how does this apply to grizzly? Generally being thought of as a tougher animal, I'd expect it to run a little further and take a little longer to die. They would probably die just fine though.

Just my experience and thoughts on the matter and it's a small sample size, so take it for what it's worth.
 

ElPollo

WKR
Joined
Aug 31, 2018
Messages
1,661
Chickenman,
So you keep giving us your unsubstantiated advice. Neither you or Formidilosus has eVer had a grizzly/brown bear tag in your pocket let alone hunted or ever killed one, but yOu continue to advise others on a hunting forums on how it’s done. That is what I find amusing . It’s like dumb and dumber. Let’s talk some about your course work thougH . Much more enlightening than real world experiences!
I believe you are projecting your own shortcomings onto others. Please provide a direct quote from my messages to and about you where I have advised anyone about anything other than the fact that you do not know what you are talking about.
 

medvedyt

WKR
Joined
Aug 5, 2023
Messages
392
Location
whitehorse, YT
Obviously you my friend have the knowledge base problem.
The only way a lower 48 hunter can hunt a grizzly is either in Alaska or the Yukon and that would be with a guide!
When was your last self guided grizzly hunt in BC, LIL Rockslider?
do not forget nunavut and nwt in canada ...
 

medvedyt

WKR
Joined
Aug 5, 2023
Messages
392
Location
whitehorse, YT
cant use lower than 243 caliber here in the yukon and i will gladly use an ar15 and 223 on the barrenground we have but alas it is prohibited to legal hunters in the yukon. but i will say many first nation hunters used ruger mini 14 for moose grizzly and caribou with sucess in nwt and yukon ...
 

medvedyt

WKR
Joined
Aug 5, 2023
Messages
392
Location
whitehorse, YT
Just because you could...don't mean you should. Hunting any dangerous game on purpose with a .223 regardless of type of bullet is well, just reckless. WHY? Why would you? Just so you could brag about it? There is absolutely no logical reason to do so. (exception-perhaps natives don't have any other weapon available)

I'm pretty sure most African countries dictate a caliber minimum for dangerous game to prevent idiots from committing suicide and endangering everyone around them. Been that way for 100+ years and guess what...it has not changed because bullets got tougher or faster.

Seems common sense isn't so common and that's it in a nutshell.

Can't wait for the 22 Hornet crowd to follow this direction. They will say the same thing. Bullet type and placement...lol.
i lived and guided in africa mostly CAR and not every country has such a limit of minimun caliber.
 

G7777777

FNG
Joined
Jan 30, 2024
Messages
20
So the better question is if a large bear was charging toward you-- and obviously there might be some problem with shot placement, what is the minimum caliber you would want to bet your life and maybe a family members life that is with you on?
 

fwafwow

WKR
Joined
Apr 8, 2018
Messages
5,607
So the better question is if a large bear was charging toward you-- and obviously there might be some problem with shot placement, what is the minimum caliber you would want to bet your life and maybe a family members life that is with you on?
I think this has been asked and answered, maybe in another thread.
 

WW2 Buff

FNG
Joined
Jun 16, 2024
Messages
16
Alaska Master Guide Phil Shoemaker I’m guessing has witnessed more Brown/ Grizzly kills than anyone on the planet. He sides with Alaska F&G recommendation to use a 30-06. The smallest cartridge any of his clients has used was a .270 Win shooting Partitions, 2 shots in the lungs bear died quick. He did state to hunt with whatever gun you shoot the best so if a client showed up with a .243 shooting Partitions or any deep penetrating bullet he would have no problem. The bear he killed with a 9mm handgun was in self defense of his fishing clients on a river he fished for 30 years with no issues. For a self defense bear handgun he recommended something smaller you can shoot fast and accurate. I’ve never hunted bear in Alaska just find his advice interesting and wanted to pass it on. Phil does carry a 458 Win as his bear guide backup.
 
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