What caliber for black bear?

[adamsredlines]

Its up north, but different place. Deer was in Wisconsin, bear is in Minnesota.

I'd LOVE to hand load some 405gr cast stuff for my 1886 and use it "just for nostalgia" but I dont want to let nostalgia get in the way of a better selection.

 

[dennishoddy]

I wouldn't do it with a .45 ACP, but I'd feel quite well-armed with a .45-70. A little more "thump" from that one.

Coastal griz was killed with a .45 acp a few years ago.
Another killed by a kid with a 9mm if I remember.

 

[MacFromOK]

IIRC, there's at least one instance of a grizzly being killed with a .22LR.

But that doesn't mean it's a good idea.

 

[dennishoddy]

IIRC, there's at least one instance of a grizzly being killed with a .22LR.

But that doesn't mean it's a good idea.

You’d better be really aware of a grizzly’s anatomy, and know where to put the round.
Bulls in some slaughter houses are killed instantly with a .22 lr.

 

[MacFromOK]

Bulls in some slaughter houses are killed instantly with a .22 lr.

Yes they are. But they're also not about to maul you at the moment...

 

[beardking]

Its up north, but different place. Deer was in Wisconsin, bear is in Minnesota.

I'd LOVE to hand load some 405gr cast stuff for my 1886 and use it "just for nostalgia" but I dont want to let nostalgia get in the way of a better selection.

I have no idea on the gun selection, but I'd like to offer myself up as a new friend that you NEED to take along with you on that hunt. :-) I even have a .300 Blackout that I could use. :-)

 

[CHenry]

IIRC, there's at least one instance of a grizzly being killed with a .22LR.

But that doesn't mean it's a good idea.

There's a stuffed bear (cant remember if it was a griz, black or brown but it was large) in a bar in Jackson WY killed by a guide without a gun. He rammed his fist down the bears gullet and killed it with one hand. True story.

 

[Dave70968]

There's a stuffed bear (cant remember if it was a griz, black or brown but it was large) in a bar in Jackson WY killed by a guide without a gun. He rammed his fist down the bears gullet and killed it with one hand. True story.

Something something...size of the fight in the dog....

 

[DRC458]

I'd LOVE to hand load some 405gr cast stuff for my 1886 and use it "just for nostalgia" but I dont want to let nostalgia get in the way of a better selection.

Then that is EXACTLY what I would do. You've given us much more info as this thread has evolved. You have now said that shots are generally within 50 yards. I'd take that 1886 and either borrow that .44Mag from your Dad, or carry the .45ACP as back-up (for a bigger hole). It's well established that you ain't hunting Cape Buffalo or elephant! (BTW - There are two documented cases of elephant being killed with .22LR, but I wouldn't try it.)

 

[D. Hargrove]

So after further review.... The Guide gun 45-70 and the .44 Mag as a sidearm and you are armed for bear!!! lol
Enjoy the hunt my friend!!