Black Bear hunting with a 243win?

spinningchain1 · #1 05-08-2017, 01:11 AM

Im looking at using a 243win with a hand load 95gr sst, I would have a 12g as a back up with me too.

Thoughts on using a 243 for black bear? I know it hits hard as it has been used for taking moose and elk in the past and I have seen a video of a guy even shooting a Bison with one and just droping it.

Slicktricker · #2 05-08-2017, 02:49 AM

Why wouldn't it work? You yourself just said seen one kill a bison?

58thecat · #3 05-08-2017, 05:30 AM

Go hunt with it.

338 Rules · #4 05-08-2017, 05:36 AM

Given the fact that tons of bears have been killed with a bow I would say that using a 243 WIN is being over gunned and cheating. lol

Good luck hope you get a booner!

Pioneer2 · #5 05-08-2017, 05:50 AM

Not a fan of SST's but whatever works for you.....I'd load a Partition,Barnes X or Scirocco in the 90-100gr range for bullet integrity and penetration.On the other hand black bear are not as tough as say elk.........Harold

LKILR · #6 05-08-2017, 06:18 AM

If you have something bigger then use it. But if it's all you have then I would go with it. I would use different bullets. Them SST bullets tend to fragment and break up on impact. Some thing bonded or solid copper probably more effective

Twobucks · #7 05-08-2017, 09:17 AM

I think if you're bringing a second gun for backup, you've already decided it's not enough gun.

You don't need a cannon but maybe something with another 40-50 grains of bullet?

It's one thing poking around in the deep brush at the end of light for a deer that ran off.....

wildwoods · #8 05-08-2017, 11:02 AM

Leave the shotgun at home. Bring a can of mace on your hip and the .243 is perfect.

p.s. real men need only a can of mace. The .243 is overkill

winger7mm · #9 05-08-2017, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildwoods

Leave the shotgun at home. Bring a can of mace on your hip and the .243 is perfect.

p.s. real men need only a can of mace. The .243 is overkill

Mace and a knife, Blind the sucker than go in for the kill

CanuckShooter · #10 05-08-2017, 12:54 PM

The 243 is more than enough for bears, I've shot several with the 243.

wildwoods · #11 05-08-2017, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winger7mm

Mace and a knife, Blind the sucker than go in for the kill

Nah that's too wimpy. Blunt force trauma via mace can. Much more traditional and ethical

spinningchain1 · #12 05-08-2017, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twobucks

I think if you're bringing a second gun for backup, you've already decided it's not enough gun.

You don't need a cannon but maybe something with another 40-50 grains of bullet?

It's one thing poking around in the deep brush at the end of light for a deer that ran off.....

I have a bit of a hire powered scope on my 243 so if i have to go into some thicker bush to find it then i rather the open sights and close rage abilities of a 12g

Hunter4ever12 · #13 05-08-2017, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinningchain1

I have a bit of a hire powered scope on my 243 so if i have to go into some thicker bush to find it then i rather the open sights and close rage abilities of a 12g

.243 will do the job no problem. I used a .270 made a heart shot,bear went 10 yards did a flip and then death moaned. I also has my 30-30 for back up for a follow up shot in the bush if needed. Doesn't hurt to be prepared for any situation.

BCBoy98 · #14 05-08-2017, 03:37 PM

I killed a BC book bear last week at 170 yards with 100gr blue box. He only went 40-50 yards, .243 is fine. MY advice to you would be avoid the SST's though unless it's a bit of a further shot and you can avoid bone. I've seen SST's blow up at close range out of a .243.
Here's my bear with the .243;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Immjr4b3blg&t=358s

Suzukisam · #15 05-08-2017, 03:57 PM

243 is fine I sure heck don't want to be hot with it and a back up is only if yours breaks I sure poop would not but the 243 down to crab my back up by then its would be too late unless your 243 is a single shot

warriorboy10 · #16 05-08-2017, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suzukisam

243 is fine I sure heck don't want to be hot with it and a back up is only if yours breaks I sure poop would not but the 243 down to crab my back up by then its would be too late unless your 243 is a single shot

What the??

warriorboy10 · #17 05-08-2017, 05:33 PM

243 is perfect and you don't need some super special expensive bullet.

Rio56 · #18 05-08-2017, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warriorboy10

243 is perfect and you don't need some super special expensive bullet.

Oh have you shot a black bear with a 243 or is this follow the sheep

warriorboy10 · #19 05-08-2017, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rio56

Oh have you shot a black bear with a 243 or is this follow the sheep

Alrighty then!! Find something better to do!!

Rio56 · #20 05-08-2017, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warriorboy10

Alrighty then!! Find something better to do!!

Oh ... not sure what you mean ... did I call your bluff or do you actually hunt black bear with a 243 and SST ....

Rio56 · #21 05-08-2017, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinningchain1

Im looking at using a 243win with a hand load 95gr sst, I would have a 12g as a back up with me too.

Thoughts on using a 243 for black bear? I know it hits hard as it has been used for taking moose and elk in the past and I have seen a video of a guy even shooting a Bison with one and just droping it.

the answer to your question .. is no ... not a good combination

waterhaulerhunter · #22 05-08-2017, 06:18 PM

The better half shot her bear with the exact combo you are asking about. As far as I can tell the bear is no less dead than shot with any bigger caliber. If your gun shoots them good and your comfortable in where you can place the shot there is no black bear out there that will survive a couple hole through its lungs.

CF8889 · #23 05-08-2017, 06:48 PM

I have never shot a black bear with a .243... but with that in mind... Shot placement and the ability to put it where you want it are the determining factor in this question. If you are a great shot and can hit the lungs no problem, you're fine... if you're a good shot, but new to hunting, maybe go bigger for that extra knock down power... if you're an ok shot, practice more and wait until next season.. if youre a bad shot, try golf.

elkdump · #24 05-08-2017, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rio56

Oh have you shot a black bear with a 243 or is this follow the sheep

I've known a CO for nearly 20 years, he has been dispatching problem Black Bears and unruly Grizzlies with a .243 Win bolt action for many years,,

It's about 120 DOA for the .243 , and Zero for the bears, lmao

Peebles · #25 05-09-2017, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LKILR

...I would use different bullets. Them SST bullets tend to fragment and break up on impact. Some thing bonded or solid copper probably more effective

I agree with this, and I've noticed that most questions on this board about whether X caliber is suitable for certain game should actually be about bullet construction

I don't even like SSTs on deer personally for the reason LKILR gave, so listen to him and switch. As well as most bonded and solid copper bullets I think Core-Lokt or Partitions would work well from the cup and core category.

Wolfsnare · #26 05-09-2017, 01:00 PM

Good beaver gun. Why do guys wanna use pellet guns to kill big animals. Get a real gun 30-06 or bigger. So that when bad shot placement is made u still have a good chance of quick kill but we never miss so we ........... if u shoot a huge boar and loose it Well deserved. Big bears can take a big shell and leave. Why not use a knife. Sure it can b dun wanna watch ur you tube vid when ya do it. Lol. Sure a buffalo been killed by one Animals are the ones that suffer because we use tools that just don't work Go figure

Dick284 · #27 05-09-2017, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfsnare

Good beaver gun. Why do guys wanna use pellet guns to kill big animals. Get a real gun 30-06 or bigger. So that when bad shot placement is made u still have a good chance of quick kill but we never miss so we ........... if u shoot a huge boar and loose it Well deserved. Big bears can take a big shell and leave. Why not use a knife. Sure it can b dun wanna watch ur you tube vid when ya do it. Lol. Sure a buffalo been killed by one Animals are the ones that suffer because we use tools that just don't work Go figure

And when the rifle induces a flinch in the shooter cuz it's an '06 or bigger, and the bullet is placed poorly, wadaya do?

Anyone who knows me knows I'm not the biggest .243 as a big game cartridge sort of guy, but your post is so filled with mis information it speaks to your short comings.

OP, run the .243, maybe use a better built bullet.

Lefty-Canuck · #28 05-09-2017, 01:53 PM

Depends how you are hunting them too....over a bait? Shots 40 and less? Any legal cartridge will work.

Arrows kill a lot of bears at those ranges guns do too.

LC

artie · #29 05-09-2017, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildwoods

Leave the shotgun at home. Bring a can of mace on your hip and the .243 is perfect.

p.s. real men need only a can of mace. The .243 is overkill

Two cans of bear spray in case you empty the first one too soon. Or in worse case the bear knocks one out of your hand or as you turn around and start running you drop the gun and spray.

colroggal · #30 05-09-2017, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfsnare

Good beaver gun. Why do guys wanna use pellet guns to kill big animals. Get a real gun 30-06 or bigger. So that when bad shot placement is made u still have a good chance of quick kill but we never miss so we ........... if u shoot a huge boar and loose it Well deserved. Big bears can take a big shell and leave. Why not use a knife. Sure it can b dun wanna watch ur you tube vid when ya do it. Lol. Sure a buffalo been killed by one Animals are the ones that suffer because we use tools that just don't work Go figure

Bad shot placement rarely leads to a quick kill no matter what you're shooting.

Colin