303 Ok for brown bear?

[mossberg]

Don't worry about the .303. I dropped a buffalo a few weeks back just fine. I also witnessed another one later that day with the same lee enfield. They were neck shots though...

 

[Neckshot5seven]

Any .30 better than x39 or 30-30 should be enough. Just be prepared to give a follow up if needed. Any CNS hit will drop just about anything on this planet

 

[TCB in TN]

" I find it interesting that some folks think that a .44 magnum handgun is adequate for the vicious grizzly in Alaska, but question the use of the .303 rifle.

Most of the commentary I have heard about the .44mag is that it is considered to be the best carry gun to have in Grizzly country. Lots of power and small enough to actually keep ON you, which is vital for use. I have NEVER heard anyone (at least no one knowledgeable) who claimed that the .44 mag was more powerful than a .303.

 

[JShirley]

If I was deliberately hunting brown bear, I would want something like a .35 Whelen, .45/70, or 12 gauge with Brenneke slugs.

For most black bear (except those in a few colder states), any good deer and boar (not a 5-6mm!) rifle cartridge is fine, as is any handgun cartridge stronger than .357 Magnum: .41 or .44 Magnum, stout .45 Colt, etc.

John

 

[Ak Austin]

I live in SE Alaska, and probably 90% of the people here hunt with .30-06s, even on admiralty island which has about 1 brownie per sq. mile. BUT as you are specifically hunting them you might want something a little bigger.

 

[Neckshot5seven]

How long can we drag a thread through the mud?? If all you have is a SMLE then use it. It will do the job if you do yours. Same goes with Mauser, 1903, and Mosin. They all will pack enough punch to kill anything on 4 legs or 2. Study the vital areas at different angles and where to shoot it. You will do just fine.

 

[ccd]

the 303 will be just fine in AZ. If you reload the Woodleigh is perfect as is the new Barnes 150 gr Tripleshock in 0.311". HSM used to offer the 303 load with a 200gr Grand Slam bullet. The 150-180 gr normal factory loads should also work quite well on black bears.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

There is nothing wrong with the .303 for bear or other large game as long as you use the right bullet. Penetration is the key. You need a heavy bullet to break thru bone,hind and muscle to get to the vitals. There have been lots of moose, griz and other big game killed by the .222 and .30-30. Of course they were good shots.

 

[brianr23]

Go with the Woodleigh

Handload the 215 grain woodleigh and you will do just fine. I get about 1950 fps in my 20" carbine with 43.5 grains of IMR-4350. In a full length you should get 2200 fps +. Short range proposition though.

 

[armoredman]

I will check Midway for some Woodleighs. Thanks. Got a while to make sure I have the perfect load.