Forums46
Topics539,493
Posts9,750,317
Members87,166
|
Most Online25,604 Feb 12th, 2024
|
|
|
What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
#2342219
05/31/11 01:31 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,034
TxYoteHunter
OP
Veteran Tracker
|
OP
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,034 |
Planning a Black bear trip to Whittier, Alaska in September. What caliber would you take? I have a Remington 700 .270 with a Zeiss scope. Would that be enough to do it? Shots should not be over 150 yards probably.
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: TxYoteHunter]
#2342238
05/31/11 01:40 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,856
30378
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,856 |
Your 270 will do just fine. Black Bear are not that hard to kill.
NRA Benefactor Life Member - Free men should not be subjected to permits, paperwork and taxation in order to carry a firearm.
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: 30378]
#2342242
05/31/11 01:42 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
|
Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
If it is a guided hunt ask the Outfitter what he thinks.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: stxranchman]
#2342255
05/31/11 01:47 AM
|
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 41,322
BMD
Silver Spoon
|
Silver Spoon
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 41,322 |
The .270 will do just fine unless your looking for excuse to buy another rifle
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: BMD]
#2342267
05/31/11 01:50 AM
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 14,024
NDN98
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 14,024 |
The .270 will do just fine unless your looking for excuse to buy another rifle +1
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: NDN98]
#2342525
05/31/11 03:31 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,918
JakeinTX
Pro Tracker
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,918 |
The .270 will do just fine unless your looking for excuse to buy another rifle +1 x2
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: JakeinTX]
#2342547
05/31/11 03:47 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,200
dawaba
Extreme Tracker
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,200 |
Although the .270 will work just fine, all of us yearn for a dedicated Alaska rifle. So.....time to re-arm!
It will have to handle the dreadful rainy weather common way up north, and it should cover the full spectrum from Sitka blacktails to brown bears.
I would cobble up a .338 Win Mag in a stainless bolt gun with a synthetic stock. Affix a low-power variable scope like a Leupy 2x7 or Conquest 2.5x8, and you're ready to make several trips to our 49th state.
Believe me, I know......Alaska gets addictive. I've been there 13 times already, and I'm going back to the Peninsula for brown bear in October and again for black bear to POW Island next May.
"For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple.....and wrong." H. L. Mencken
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: dawaba]
#2342631
05/31/11 04:44 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 4,181
Hill Country Hunter
Extreme Tracker
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 4,181 |
X2 on the .338. I would also think of a sidearm at least .44mag.
Psalm 3:3 - But you, O LORD, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: Hill Country Hunter]
#2342759
05/31/11 11:51 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,034
TxYoteHunter
OP
Veteran Tracker
|
OP
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,034 |
I've heard the .338 has a little more kick than I might want and I wouldn't really be using anything that large anytime except in Alaska. Have considered a .300 Win Mag though. As for a side arm, I am planning on taking my .357 just in case. I'm hoping if this trip turns out good to return next year maybe. This is my first time to get to go there.
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: TxYoteHunter]
#2343035
05/31/11 02:52 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 485
TxBuck
Bird Dog
|
Bird Dog
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 485 |
the .270 is fine. I killed my black bear in Canada with a .270 it rolled him when I shot him in the shoulder!Spend more time learning how to judge and size bears and you'll do fine! Good Luck
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: TxBuck]
#2343051
05/31/11 02:58 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,636
Texpppr
Pro Tracker
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,636 |
.270 is fine for Black Bear.
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: Texpppr]
#2343111
05/31/11 03:34 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,012
Kimber1911
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,012 |
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: Texpppr]
#2343448
05/31/11 07:18 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,034
TxYoteHunter
OP
Veteran Tracker
|
OP
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,034 |
Sounds like the .270 is a winner then . I just need to get a couple of good boxes of ammo and see what I can find. Thanks folks, I appreciate the input.
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: TxYoteHunter]
#2343465
05/31/11 07:30 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 11,099
devildog28
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 11,099 |
PM vanguard, he knows the perfect caliber.
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: devildog28]
#2343860
05/31/11 11:13 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,615
billybob
Extreme Tracker
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,615 |
Watch out for the griz...there's a few of them around Whittier. In my opinion a .270 is light. Most Alaskans when in bear country will carry 338 on up.
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: billybob]
#2343942
05/31/11 11:59 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,034
TxYoteHunter
OP
Veteran Tracker
|
OP
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,034 |
Watch out for the griz...there's a few of them around Whittier. In my opinion a .270 is light. Most Alaskans when in bear country will carry 338 on up. I've considered that a little. It's not only what I'm hunting for out there but what all else is out there while I'm hunting. If I ran into a BIG bear out there it could get a little more serious real quick.
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: billybob]
#2343953
06/01/11 12:03 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 251
Ray338
Bird Dog
|
Bird Dog
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 251 |
I use a .338. My wife uses a 30-06 but your .270 is fine. Whittier is a neat place. Real small though. Take good rain gear. If your gun is blue don't forget the gun oil or get it dipped I would't bother with the sidearm. More weight when your climbing up the side of the mountain and something else to keep clean. You will have your .270 in your hand. No need to drop it to grab a pistol. You will see lot's of beautiful country from the boat!!!! Ray
Customize and protect your firearm. Water transfer imaging (camo dipping). Take your project to the next level. www.customcamoimaging.com
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: TxYoteHunter]
#2344967
06/01/11 02:54 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 11,099
devildog28
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 11,099 |
I've heard the .338 has a little more kick than I might want and I wouldn't really be using anything that large anytime except in Alaska. Have considered a .300 Win Mag though. As for a side arm, I am planning on taking my .357 just in case. I'm hoping if this trip turns out good to return next year maybe. This is my first time to get to go there. .338 Federal is just a necked up .308 case. You're probably thinking about the .338 Win Mag having a lot of recoil.
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: devildog28]
#2345385
06/01/11 07:22 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 853
Matagorda Mud Pig
Tracker
|
Tracker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 853 |
The rifles get bigger the closer you get to anchorage...
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: Matagorda Mud Pig]
#2345434
06/01/11 07:50 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 107
ghollow
Woodsman
|
Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 107 |
Get a .338 Win Mag with a muzzle brake. vIt will not kick any harder than a 30-06. I have never heard of anyone complaining that the gun was too big.
Have fun. Whittier is an interesting place.
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: Kimber1911]
#2345440
06/01/11 07:53 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 183
Patron
Woodsman
|
Woodsman
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 183 |
Patrón
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: Ray338]
#2345623
06/01/11 09:24 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,034
TxYoteHunter
OP
Veteran Tracker
|
OP
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,034 |
Thanks for the info Ray338, I definitely don't want to carry more than I need to. I can't wait to get there and see the country side and take tons of photos. Looking forward to the scenery as much as the hunt I think. I'll take the gun oil for sure. Don't know how the salt water spray will be on the rifle or the wood stock either.
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: TxYoteHunter]
#2346670
06/02/11 12:07 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,636
Texpppr
Pro Tracker
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,636 |
Seems like most of the Alaska folks use Stainless steel/ synthetic stocked rifles because of the moisture up there.
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: Texpppr]
#2346680
06/02/11 12:19 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,034
TxYoteHunter
OP
Veteran Tracker
|
OP
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,034 |
Seems like most of the Alaska folks use Stainless steel/ synthetic stocked rifles because of the moisture up there. You just might be forcing me to have to go and buy a brand new rifle and scope just for this hunt. Come on, twist my arm. I was looking at the Remington 700 SPS Camo last night. I think my safe needs one of these in it. Now to figure out which scope to top it with.
|
|
|
Re: What caliber for Black Bear in Alaska ?
[Re: TxYoteHunter]
#2346716
06/02/11 12:45 PM
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,296
Bob in TX
Pro Tracker
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,296 |
Finally Wayne! You recognized that you "need" a new rifle!!
Will the .270 work? You bet!
......but you "need" a new bear rifle!!
Good Hunting,
Bob
The Texas Predator Posse NRA Life Member/TSRA Life Member
|
|
|
Moderated by bigbob_ftw, CCBIRDDOGMAN, Chickenman, Derek, DeRico, Duck_Hunter, hetman, jeh7mmmag, JustWingem, kmon11, kry226, kwrhuntinglab, Payne, pertnear, rifleman, sig226fan (Rguns.com), Superduty, TreeBass, txcornhusker
|