Big Bore Question?????????

[BullMagnet76]

SO am intersted in buying rifle that I can bear hunt with, but I want a gun that is cheap enough that I won't feel too bad about beating on it a little.  I have settled on the Savage Bear Hunter 16/116 it comes in two calibers that I am interested in which are the .338 Win Mag or the .375 Ruger.  I happen to know where there are a couple of reletively large black bears (in the 400-500 weight range) are.  Knowing how tough black bear are I want a rifle that is gonna put that big sucker down if I get nervous and miss my spot a little.  So my question is, is the .375 overkill?  Or should I go with the .338?

[carpsniperg2]

If you are not planning on shooting long range with it and say keep it under 300. I would for sure get the 375. It is not to much for a bear. I have seen some take some lead and do not think a guy can get to much horse power for dangerous game.

[carpsniperg2]

Oh and I looked at them today. I am not a sav fan but they fel pretty good.

I don't consider and most people will not, a 338 as a big bore rifle. The 375 is getting into what most will call a big bore. If you have not shot one you might want to before you spend the money. They can teach a guy bad habbits quick.

[hillbilli]

my vote would be for .338, access to brass, ease of lightloading it (still .30-06 levels) for deer, bullets to 250gr and beyond that penetrate like crazy, good long range trajectory.. several very reasonable priced options out there. (nearly everyone who makes a low end bolt gun also offers it in .338.)

[BullMagnet76]

You are right Carp the 338 is not really considered big bore, I should have titled my post a little different.  I am leaning toward the 375 but dialing it down a little by reloading either with the 260 gr Accubond or the 250 Barnes TTSX.  All the factory loads that I have seen are 270-300 gr. range.  I do not plan on taking long shots with the 375, I have different set-ups for long ranges.  This is meant for 200 or less.

[Rick]

200 or less I'd be looking at something like a 45-70 or .450 Marlin.

[Woodchuck]

.338 is a better "all-around cartridge" IMO, I would be happy to bring mine and let you watch me whack Yogi with it and let you judge first hand how it does.
If you don't think it would qualify as "big-bore" come pack mine all day and then put a few rounds down range with it and let me know.

[Skinnyman]

I have a Savage 116 Weather warrior in a .338 WM, I love it. I reload and use 225gr Barnes TTSX with IMR 4350. It groups 5/8" at 100yds if I can do my part. Both are great calibers and cartidges and either would do just fine. Not sure one would provide significant advantage over the other on a black bear. As always shot placement is much more critical.

[Rob]

My two cents.  I'd go 375 HH Mag before the 375 Ruger.

That gun will serve you well for anything on the planet - if it is good enough for Cape Buff, Elephant and Lion, it will work fine on a bear.  The recoil is tollerable, and you can find shells anywhere on earth for them.

375 Ruger is a fine round too. 

I love the big bore rifles and 375 is the entry point for the big bore fetish!

[snowshoes22]

I have been eyeballing the savage bear hunter myself. I think either cartridge is going to be hell on any blackbear that walks this planet.

[CoyoteChuck52]

375 Ruger w/270g TSX or 250g TTSX

[CAMPMEAT]

I almost bought the 300 mag in it, but didn't. I bought a Savage 6.5 Creedmoor instead. I have 2 Savages and you will love it, very accurate out of the box. Shop around because the prices very ( online ) compared to store bought.

[BullMagnet76]

Thanks for the input guys I really appreciate it. I have other good all around calibers. So I think I am go with the .375. I like CoyoteChuck52's idea, the 250 gr TTSX or the 260 Accubond should be plenty potent.

[carpsniperg2]

Yeah that 260 accubond would be amazing in IT!!

[Biggerhammer]

I have shot big game with the 260gr Accubonds from the .375 H&H  and the .375 Ultra Magnum. They are a wicked bullet. I shot the 260gr Ballistic Tip in my .375 H&H for years but when I tried the Ballistic Tip in the .375 Ultra Magnum, the bullet wasn't designed for Ultra Velocities and I had some nasty hits on mule deer. The bullets really came apart. It was like a big game varmint bullet, flat killed them but allot of damage. I started using the Accubond when it came out and it performed well in both cartridges.