Over the years I find a lot of people focus on either the caliber as somewhat of an end all to their goal or the bullet. Sometimes I find articles on both which I believe is the right approach.
As I have stated previously in this blog, I am aware that black bears have been taken with a multitude of different calibers and bullet weights including those of soft point rapidly expanding types and bonded core bullets.
That being said, I think that emphasis should be on either heavier for caliber soft point loads or some sort of bonded core bullet. This obviously becomes more critical as you up the Anti from the average 200 pound black bear to the 400 lb plus category or go up another notch to grizzly or brown bear hunting. WHY? Because most black bear hunting is done over bait at close range and hitting a larger bear (350 lbs and up) at close range can wreck havoc on a bullet. Even most brown bear or grizzly are shot at closer range and by using heavy for caliber bullets (180 grain in 30:06 and .308), (250 grain in the .35 Whelen), (225 grain Nosler partition in the .350 mag) etc. etc. you improve the chances that the bullet will penetrate the vitals and hold together to hopefully punch out the other side and leave a blood trail, especially if heavy bone is hit or the angle isn't quite right etc. You dont want a soft bullet or a too light for caliber bullet to COME APART BEFORE IT DOES ITS JOB)
As an example if your bear hunting rig is a scoped Remington semi-auto or pump action in .35 Whelen, then I would opt for the 250 grain factory load (vs.) the 200 grain. The .35 Whelen is a superb black bear rifle and a darn fair brown bear rifle with the right loads.
I have a Ruger .350 Rem mag and if were going bear hunting tomorrow, I would opt for the 225 grain Nosler Partition available from Midway USA at this time for $69.99 for a box of 20. I would not hesitate to use the Remington factory 200 grain core lokt for a run of the mill baited bear hunt, but if going after brown or grizzly bear and using this gun I would want the 225 grain NP with me. Other custom ammo loaders would be Conley ammunition and Stars and Stripes.
If hunting with my 45-70, on a black bear hunt, I would use either the Hornady Leverevolution 325 grain FTX load, or the Buffalo Bore 350 grain JFN penetrator load, or one of the loads from Corbon, or Garret ammunition or on a short range baited hunt, possibly Tim Sundle's choice (Buffalo Bore) 405 grain expander. Tim indicates this is his BEST Black bear load. The BB 405 grain expander is a black bear load and NOT TO BE USED on grizzly or brown bear hunts. Visit BOTH Buffalo Bore and Garrett Cartridges websites for details on what bullet to use for the game you are hunting. The Garrett 420 grain Plus P Hammerhead would be just the ticket for a brown or grizzly bear hunt and has a fierce reputation for stopping power and complete penetration on dangerous game.
If hunting with the .35 Rem lever action, I would use Buffalo Bore's 220 grain JFN HEAVY load at 2400 fps out of the bbl. This would make a great load for any size black bear within it's range limitations.
In my .338 Federal, I would be comfortable using either the 200 grain Federal Fusion load or the factory loaded Nosler partition loading for black bear. (The 180 grain Nosler Factory Accu Bond load would be a great deer load) IF I decided to hunt grizzly or brown bear with the .338 Federal, I would definitely want the 210 grain Nosler partition. The .338 Federal is a notch above the 30:06 and plenty of brown and grizzly bears have been taken over the years with the 30:06. (I personally think this is a great balanced set up: low to moderate recoil, MOA accurate, and hits hard out to 300 yards with decent trajectory with the 210 grain Nosler Partition). My Ruger Hawkeye had a trigger job done and wears a Bushnell Elite 3200 3X9X40 scope with rain guard and firefly. Makes for a great all around rifle without the recoil of the magnums. I always figure that statistically, most game, especially dangerous game is shot on the near side of 100 yards anyway.)
Here is info from Chuck hawks on the .338 federal:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/338_federal_first_look.htm
Three Premium load offerings will be available from Federal in the spring of 2006:
- P338FA1 -
- 180 grain Nosler AccuBond at 2830 fps.
- P338FC -
- 185 grain Barnes Triple-Shock at 2750 fps.
- P338FB -
- 210 grain Nosler Partition at 2630 fps.
A fourth factory load, in the less expensive Fusion line, has been announced. This is supposed to drive a 200 grain bullet at a MV of 2725 fps. When it becomes available it will probably be the most popular of the Federal factory loads.
Let's take a closer look at the three Federal Premium factory loads, starting with the bullets. All are spitzer
- 180 grain Nosler AccuBond -
- BC .372, SD .225
- 185 grain Barnes Triple-Shock -
- BC .437, SD .231
- 210 grain Nosler Partition -
- BC .400, SD .263
The 180/.338 Nosler AccuBond is a boat-tail, plastic tipped bullet with a lead core bonded to a gilding metal (copper alloy) jacket. It opens reliably against light resistance, creating a wide wound channel. Its bonded core eliminates core/jacket separation, thus retaining more weight for deeper penetration than a similar Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet.
In this caliber and weight the AccuBond is primarily intended for CXP2 game. I see this as Federal's .338 deer load.
The Barnes Triple-Shok is an improved all copper hollow point design with terminal performance like that of its famous predecessor, the Barnes X-Bullet. The small hollow point in the streamlined nose of the bullet initiates expansion, which is accomplished by folding back the nose of the bullet in four copper "petals." Expansion stops when the bottom of the hollow point cavity is reached.
This bullet is noted for deep penetration for any given sectional density as it typically retains nearly all of its weight after expansion. It might be a viable choice for a combination deer/elk hunt.
The Nosler Partition is the original dual core bullet design. From the outside it looks much like a typical jacketed soft point bullet. And its partitioned lead core allows the front section of the bullet to expand much like that of a typical soft point bullet, creating a wound cavity of considerable diameter. But expansion positively stops at the internal jacket partition, which retains the rear core for deep penetration.
This is one of the best known and most successful premium hunting bullets of all time. The .338/210 Partition is entirely adequate for both CXP2 and CXP3 game. Because of its superior SD and proven performance, this is the bullet that I would choose specifically for hunting elk and other CXP3 game, or any sort of dangerous game, with the .338 Federal.
Here is the downrange velocity/energy (in fps and ft. lbs.) of the three .338 Federal factory loads based on the BigGameInfo ballistics calculator:
- 180 grain Nosler AccuBond -
- 2588/2676 at 100 yards, 2359/2224 at 200 yards, 2143/1835 at 300 yards.
- 185 grain Barnes Triple-Shock -
- 2547/2664 at 100 yards, 2353/2275 at 200 yards, 2169/1932 at 300 yards.
- 210 grain Nosler Partition -
- 2415/2719 at 100 yards, 2211/2279 at 200 yards, 2016/1895 at 300 yards.
And here is the trajectory of those loads fired from a rifle with a scope mounted 1.5" over bore and zeroed to take advantage of the +/- 3" maximum point blank range (MPBR) of each load:
- 180 grain Nosler AccuBond -
- +2.7" at 100 yards, +1.6" at 200 yards, +/-0 at 233 yards, -5.6" at 300 yards; MPBR = 274 yards.
- 185 grain Barnes Triple-Shock -
- +2.7" at 100 yards, +1.5" at 200 yards, +/-0 at 230 yards, -5.9" at 300 yards; MPBR = 271 yards.
- 210 grain Nosler Partition -
- +2.8" at 100 yards, +1.1" at 200 yards, +/-0 at 219 yards, -7.8" at 300 yards; MPBR = 258 yards.
Optimum Game Weight (OGW) is a method of estimating the killing power of rifle cartridges developed by Edward A. Matunas. It describes killing power in terms of range and live animal weight. I believe that OGW has a higher correlation with reality than most other killing power formulas. Here are the OGW figures for the Premium .338 Federal factory loads:
- 180 grain Nosler AccuBond -
- 1102 lbs. at muzzle, 842 lbs. at 100 yards, 638 lbs. at 200 yards, 478 lbs. at 300 yards.
- 185 grain Barnes Triple-Shock -
- 1068 lbs. at muzzle, 848 lbs. at 100 yards, 669 lbs. at 200 yards, 524 lbs. at 300 yards.
- 210 grain Nosler Partition -
- 1203 lbs. at muzzle, 931 lbs. at 100 yards, 715 lbs. at 200 yards, 542 lbs. at 300 yards.
According to the OGW formula, shooting the 210 grain Nosler bullet the .338 Federal is a 200 yard grizzly/brown bear load and a 300 yard Rocky Mountain elk load. That much power ought to satisfy any rational hunter.
Here are some estimated recoil energy (in ft. lbs.) and recoil velocity (in fps) figures from the HuntAmerica.com recoil calculator for those loads when fired in an 8 pound rifle:
- 180 grain, MV 2830 fps -
- 23 ft. lbs.; 13 fps
- 185 grain, MV 2750 fps -
- 22 ft. lbs.; 13 fps
- 210 grain, MV 2630 fps -
- 24 ft. lbs.; 14 fps
With the 30:06 I would likely use either the 180 grain Core Lokt Ultra (IF IT SHOOTS WELL) or try the 165 grainers in a bonded bullet if it likes them better. There are several premium bullets in both the 165 and the 180 grain weight. Take the one that is the most accurate. Stay away from the 150's. My Savage 30:06 has a fondness for 165 grain Hornady Interbonds and that would be a good bullet for black bears. IF you hand load or know someone who does, your bullet choices are much larger.
The .308 is 90% of what the 30:06 is and the same rules apply. Find a good bonded bullet in 165 or 180 grain weight depending on what your rifles likes to eat.
IF I were spending $15,000-$20,000 for a fully guided coastal Alaskan Brown bear hunt, I would likely invest in a .338 Mag, or a .375 H and H (or Ruger's shorter version of the same) or even Ruger's .338 RCM all loaded with heavier premium bullets. The .338 Win Mag has a reputation for a viscious kick and a sharper recoil than the .375 H and H. I have personally NEVER fired either rifle so can't speak to that, however I have read many times that the old .375 H and H is easier on the shoulder off hand or off the bench than the .338 Win Mag. The .375 H and H or Ruger's shorter version of same would be a good choice for Brown or Grizzly bear anywhere in the world. (The Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan model in .375 Ruger can be had new in the box at this time for around $825.00 sans scope and sling) / Great buy on a great gun. IF I had the money right now to go on a BIG bear hunt and could afford this rifle, I would top it with aTrijicon AccuPoint 1-4X24 riflescope with Amber Dot Reticle which at the time of this post sells for around $800.00. An absolute deadly BIG Bear set up and all around dangerous game rifle/scope combination.
TRIJICON AccuPoint 1-4x24 Riflescope, German #4 Crosshair with Amber Dot Reticle, 30mm Tube (TR24-3)
 | Tube: 30mm Reticle: German #4 Crosshair with Amber Dot | Color: Matte Black | ||
| The AccuPoint 1-4x24 riflescope features Trijicon's improved manual brightness adjustment override, which allows you to control the light output of the fiber optics during daylight. | ||||
Quote from Craig Boddington on the 375 H and H:
"Chances are equally good, however, that next time I try for a brown bear I'll go right back to where I started and carry a .375 H&H. The good old .375 is the classic brown-bear caliber and with good reason. It will stop a charge if necessary, and if necessary it will also make 200-yard shots with ease. And although it's been very good for 85 years now, it's better than it ever was thanks to superb new bullets like the Swift A-Frame, Trophy Bonded Bearclaw, Barnes X and Winchester Fail-Safe. If you have a .375, you have your brown bear rifle." -- Craig Boddington, "Big Bear Guns," Petersen's HUNTING, February 1998, p. 58.
(Ruger .338 RCM or Ruger Compact Magnum throws a 225 grain Hornady SST out the 20 inch bbl at 2710fps and carries 2206 fps to 300 yards. Compare that with the .338 Win mag utilizing a 225 grain load out of a 24 inch bbl at 2780 and still moving 2184 fps at 300 yards) The key here is that the Ruger does this out of a 20 inch tube as opposed to a 24 inch bbl. This rifle is said to have great handling ergonomics, and is also very accurate.) Top this rig with a quality fully multi coated scope preferably with an illuminated reticle or an illuminated circle red dot type set up and it would make a great BIG bear rig)
My point is that you don't want to go bear hunting ON PURPOSE with a .308 Win or a .270 Win or a 7MM Mag etc. loaded with light for caliber bullets in soft rapidly expanding persuasion designed for deer hunting. You have to pay attention and match the bullet to the game being hunted. You also need to RE-sight your rifle in with the chosen load and make sure that is the box of ammo that goes with you on the hunt. It is difficult in remote hunt locations to go to the local gun shop and buy premium bonded ammo for exotic or seldom seen calibers. You may even want to ship a couple of boxes to your outfitter IN ADVANCE of your hunt to make sure they are there waiting for you when you arrive. Shoot a few when you arrive to certify your zero and save the rest for the hunt. By the same token you do not want to hunt whitetails with bonded or hard cast ammo designed to punch holes straight through with NO expansion.
WHERE TO HIT THEM WITH A RIFLE?
IF the bear is standing broadside (best shot) draw an imaginary line through the Bear's body lengthwise, and then divide the bear into three sections vertically from nose to tail, Midway between the front 1/3 vertical line and the middle 1/3 vertical line should place your bullet into the lungs. In essence slightly on the lower side of the 1/2 lengthwise line and just behind the shoulder. If too low you will hit the heart, the middle should take out the lungs and too high should hit the spine. On a bear quartering towards you (if your bullet is up to the task (I.E. heavy for caliber soft point or bonded bullet) you can hit the near shoulder breaking it and hopefully knocking the bear down and also hit the lungs. A 45-70 with Buffalo Bore 350 grain JFN Penetrator load or let's say the 210 grain Nosler partition in the .338 Federal would also work very well in this situation amongst many other calibers preferrably .30 cal or over.
Dan
Daniel 12:4-10 KJV
| 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. |
| 12:5 Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river. |
| 12:6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? |
| 12:7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. |
| 12:8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? |
| 12:9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. |
| 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but |
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