Tentwing
Member
With proper shot placement ………… a lot of calibers might be enough , but the 30-06 is a no brainer …
I voted for the 45/70.
That was my second vote. 500gr hardcast with modern speeds on a giant bears really gets the job done but also does a job on the shooter. I read one of the arctic organizations in one of the Scandinavian countries uses the M1917 to defend against big predators and I am just a huge believer in what the 30-06 can do. i have several variants and for hunting, my Rem721 22" is super light and sub-MOA. I have not shot anything heavier than 180gr out of it but I assume it would perform similarly with 200gr+I voted for the 45/70.
I always liked the 8mm Remington Mag!I know I'm in the minority but my 1978 Remington BDL chambered in 8mm Rem Mag would probably be my first choice for the larger animals you mentioned. When I originally purchased that rig, I had moose and larger bear on the brain. A close second would be my 300 Weatherby and a very respectable 3rd choice would be my 35 Whelen. If I had my 9.3x62 finished, that would certainly make the conversation as well. No shame to all those mentioning the 30-06... you can certainly handload it with heavier projectiles and newer powders to achieve near magnum performance. 30 caliber bullet choices are so vast, which is why I gave my 300 Wby a close second place.
I have worked in Ben Pearson's home and have seen some of His Bear displays. Their size is just awesome!long ago I had an account that had full size mounts of a Kodiak and Polar bears. Once I stood next to one, I was forever cured of “it’s probably enough gun”
Or, if something REALLY big is expected, then the .50-90 Sharp's will do.