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Thread: .308 vs bears

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Posts
    32

    .308 vs bears

    hello I've been talking to a friend and he said get a .300 win or a 7mm to hunt with because the province is overrun with bears. I really want this .308 i'm looking at and i've heard it can take down a moose (with the right shot placement). I was talking to my dad last night and he said someone he knows who hunts takes down blackbears with a .308 all the time. So I'm a little torn now, the gun I"m looking at is a Rem 700 VTR which is a really nice accurate gun, light, short.. basically everything i"m looking for in a rifle, but it doesn't come in .300 or 7mm. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.. thanks

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Nanaimo
    Posts
    561

    Re: .308 vs bears

    If you like the rifle and if it fits and feels good when shouldered than get it. There is nothing wrong with a 308. I have hunted with 30-30, 270, 30-06, etc.... and my 30-30 is still my go to rifle when I go hunting whether it be for deer or bear.

    Don't underestimate a 30 cal bullet.

    Hope you enjoy your new rifle. You will also enjoy the cost of ammo compared to larger calibers.
    Cheers

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Posts
    32

    Re: .308 vs bears

    yeah I had a chance to look at the rifle at the gun shop.. it does feel really nice when shouldered. I'm not a very strong guy so the light weight of the gun would make it easy for me to carry through the bush and to keep steady while aiming..

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Campbell River
    Posts
    3,032

    Re: .308 vs bears

    Lots of bears have fallen to a 308
    Quote Originally Posted by burger View Post
    Sorry Ozone you are correct

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Westbank
    Posts
    899

    Re: .308 vs bears

    My son shot his Black bear last year with a .243 and my .308 has killed several Moose (by me and when it was my Dad's gun). No reason you should have any concern with choosing a .308.

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    In paradise on the Island
    Posts
    3,322

    Re: .308 vs bears

    Your friend does not have enough knowledge to help you if that is his thoughts on bears. Listen to the other posts.
    Their steaks, roasts and burger to me! Tom

  8. #7
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Posts
    1,159

    Re: .308 vs bears

    The .308 is plenty enough medicine for black bears. Legendary grizzly guide Clayton Mack referred to it as a big gun in one of his books, and he used a 30-30 for years as his back up gun. I've read that more elephants have been poached in Africa with .308's than any other caliber. It's all about bullet placement and bullet construction and there are some terrific bullets available today.

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    5,619

    Re: .308 vs bears

    world wide millions of bears, black ,brown and white have fallen to similarly powered cartridges to the .308Winchester and including the .308 Winchester, and the majority of those long before recent new tough projectiles/bullets,

    and for "novice shooters" such as yourself, a common caliber(.308 Win) is a VERY good choice as it more than adequate for all north American Big game( maybe not best for Kodiak Bears) , CHEAP/Commonly Available Ammo and LOTS of practice and familiarity with your rifle is WAYYY more important than a BAD CASE of MAGNUM-ITIS !
    sit quietly by the river,,,,,,

    eventually the bodies of your enemies will come floating by,,,,

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    mission bc
    Posts
    1,526

    Re: .308 vs bears

    the .308 is a great cal for b.c hunting, i started hunted with a 30-06, but now my go to gun is my .243,( except when i'm after moose,) but if one step in front of my when i'm carrying the 243 i would make the shot with it,

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    5,619

    Re: .308 vs bears

    considering still to this day!, the .308 Winchester and the 30-06 Springfield out-sell all other calibers in North America ,,,,

    for the average big game hunter plenty of PUNCH !
    sit quietly by the river,,,,,,

    eventually the bodies of your enemies will come floating by,,,,

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