What caliber for black bear?

[MacFromOK]

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.

Oh yeah... that's the one-armed WY guide, right?

 

[undeg01]

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!!

This pairing is what I’ve carried while hog hunting many times. That’s what I’d carry for black bear as well, partially because I’m already accustomed to both.

 

[adamsredlines]

Well as of this moment, I have a loaner 44 mag sidearm lined up and am contemplating which rifle to use still but leaning to plain ole 45-70 shooting 405gr hard cast.
I'll probably take my 26" Browning 1886 but spotted a really pretty 20" Winchester 1886 on Gunbroker thats really calling my name.

 

[undeg01]

Here is my go to, hit em with a sledge hammer duo.

And just an FYI... I don’t necessarily carry the 629 for backup, rather to have it should I get the opportunity to take one that is in pistol range, or to dispatch injured hogs. I am actually quicker defensively with my rifle setup than with the pistol.

 

[Gunbuffer]

black bear? anything for a deer will be fine for OK black bear

 

[CHenry]

black bear? anything for a deer will be fine for OK black bear

He's not hunting OK. I think he said MN.

 

[adamsredlines]

Could always trap 'em I suppose.... (I assume thats no longer legal)

 

[Gunbuffer]

He's not hunting OK. I think he said MN.

Ah
I missed that.
OP, I hunted bear both in Canada and the UP of Michigan.
There are some big big slobs up there. Still, the average bear taken up there isn’t even 200 pounds.
Anything 25 cal (25-06 ish) on up to big game is plenty. A short 3030 or even better a 35 rem lever is probably ideal.
You most likely be over bait so accuracy isn’t a big deal.