Which rifle for grizzly

[Elkhntr08]

Need some input or advice.
Planning a grizzly hunt in Alaska, have two rifles I can take.
Both will shoot at .75 at 100 yards. One is a 300 Weatherby shooting 180 TSX. The other a 325 wsm shooting a 200 Partition.
I’m told, most shots are around 150 yards or less. They are pretty much neck and neck at that range.
Please don’t tell me to buy another rifle, even though I’d not be against a 375 H&H sitting in the safe.
Probably not, so just consider the two.
Thanks for any constructive advice.

 

[Caseknife]

Which one is more weatherproof? Which one are you more comfortable with? Sounds like either will kill a bear, so it is down to personal choice, and you are the one going on the hunt.

 

[Gooden123]

Maybe consider weight, length and overall convenience too? Which one is easier to lug around?

Definitely doesn't sound like a question of which one will kill the bear 'deader'.

 

[johnnycake]

They are both great options. I'd bring whichever one will handle wet, hellish abuse better.

 

[CXbolt]

Caseknife is right. The rifle that is the most weatherproof or you don't mind seeing some rust develop while on your hunt. Also, the rifle that you can make quick and accurate follow up shots with. If you get the opportunity to shoot a grizzly, shoot it as many times as you need to, as expeditiously as you can, until its on the ground. Your Guide will appreciate it. Based on only knowing the two caliber/bullet options you have I'd lean towards the 300 Weatherby personally, flatter trajectory, and less to think about if you have to take a second shot at a moving target. Either will work just as long as you do your part. I'm new to this sight but not to Alaska. Best of luck to you! Post a pic if it all comes together.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Water resistant and the one that is the most comfortable for you to shoot. I shoot a .300 Wby that I wouldn't hesitate to take.

 

[BreechFace]

I bought a Stainless Ruger 20" Alaskan in 375 Ruger for just this hunt someday.

So my vote would be a 375 H&H in the safe, as you suggested.

 

[Jbehredt]

The one with less wood and more stainless. Inland bears aren’t generally huge. My Montana in 308 was my choice. I’d choose your wsm since it likes a killier bullet.

 

[TaperPin]

When multiple rifles of roughly the same ability are available I tend to sit them out where they can be seen side by side in the reloading room. Eventually one gives off better vibes. For the shorter ranges of this hunt I’d naturally gravitate to the WSM for the larger bore, but the Weatherby has a lot of history and nostalgia.

Sometimes a little mild surface rust isn’t a bad thing and can’t hardly be seen. If the one you take is blued, coating anything hidden under the stock with paste wax seems to protect better than gun oil. Gun oil to wipe down the visible parts is still a good choice.

 

[CJ_BG]

I would trust the partitions to make a wider wound and kill faster overall. Plus 325 WSM is just cool

 

[slatebuilder]

With a grizzly, meat damage is not a concern. Take a bullet that makes a violent and destructive wound. Penetration is not going to be an issue. Weatherby offers a 200 grain ELDX for the 300. Id try those in your 300. They also offer a 180 Hornady Interlock if the ELDX doesn’t shot well. The interlock is not as violent, but it is effective and seems to be good in alot of rifles. There is no reason to take a mono on a bear hunt.

 

[Luke S]

In order

• Most reliable and weatherproof
• What what the best scope (or switch that to the most weather proof see above)
• Whichever is easiest to carry

I've seen grizzlies die with solid 308 hits. Either of those should work. I never felt like Barnes bullets were necessary.

 

[Snowwolfe]

Where are you hunting?
When are you hunting?
What are the brands of the rifles?

 

[Choupique]

even though I’d not be against a 375 H&H sitting in the safe

Soooooooooo..........

You getting a winchester or a sako or what? Whats your budget for your new .375 bear rifle?

 

[Elkhntr08]

Looking at an outfitter on Popoff Island.
The 300 is a Weathermark with a 3.5-15x44 VX5HD.
The 325 is a Model 70 with a laminate stock and a 4.5-14x40 VX3i scope.
Based on what I’m hearing, the Weatherby is the best bet. Worrying about the rifle is the last thing I want to do.

 

[turbobrick]

I'd use the WBY, especially if your ammo is full boat 300wby spec loading, that is a very potent cartridge, and the TSX is a great projectile.

 

[Smtn10pt]

whatever one you want to carry, both are fully capable. The wsm is a little extra insurance but the weather by is 100% capable of taking any bear. I personally don't like the TTSX bullet, I haven't shot anything with the TSX.