Cosmoline
Member
8x57JS with SP non-Saami loads (ie European or handloads) in the 180 weight range or greater should be fine, assuming your rifle is loaded and kept at the ready. I found the best way to carry a Mauser on the trail was in the classic German infantry style--either across the belly barrel down or over the shoulder barrel forward. With the belly carry, you can attach a quick release device from a tack store to the front end of the sling that allows you to simply press the release to free your rifle up. The Mauser then hops up to your shoulder. The only caveat I have is to be careful about using 8mm bullets for handloads. I found out quite a few of these were designed for the 8mm Rem. Mag., NOT the 8x57JS. That means they might not expand at non-magnum velocities.
If you use a shotgun, make sure to use Brenneke/Rottweil style hardcast magnum slugs. US slugs tend to be softer Foster-style and are for DEER, not for brown bear. The Brenneke 3" magnum slug generates over 3,000 ft. lbs. at the muzzle and will not deform nearly as much as a soft lead slug.
The only US made slug that uses the European style hardcast slug I know of is the Remington Buckhammer.
If you use a shotgun, make sure to use Brenneke/Rottweil style hardcast magnum slugs. US slugs tend to be softer Foster-style and are for DEER, not for brown bear. The Brenneke 3" magnum slug generates over 3,000 ft. lbs. at the muzzle and will not deform nearly as much as a soft lead slug.
The only US made slug that uses the European style hardcast slug I know of is the Remington Buckhammer.