Suitable caliber for Grizz

[snowpack]

for grizz, I think it is more about bullet choice and momentum.  Most handguns just aren't going to push a soft hollowpoint through all the hide, fat, muscle and then bone to smackdown big brown. 

[carpsniperg2]

44 mag + is what I would carry.

[jackelope]

Most of them in Montana aren't a whole lot bigger than the black bears. My first time hiking in yellowstone on our first trip into the backcountry less than 1 mile into the hike we ran into a grizz. I was surprised at how small it was versus what I was expecting. He might have been 300 pounds. The encounter was uneventful as he went his way and we went ours. Which translates to....we turned around, hiked back to the car and went hiking somewhere else.
 
I read somewhere that the 10mm is becoming more and more popular in Alaska as a carry gun in the woods.
  Can't say for sure. Maybe I actually read that on here.

[xXLojackXx]

Most of them in Montana aren't a whole lot bigger than the black bears. My first time hiking in yellowstone on our first trip into the backcountry less than 1 mile into the hike we ran into a grizz. I was surprised at how small it was versus what I was expecting. He might have been 300 pounds. The encounter was uneventful as he went his way and we went ours. Which translates to....we turned around, hiked back to the car and went hiking somewhere else.
 
I read somewhere that the 10mm is becoming more and more popular in Alaska as a carry gun in the woods.
  Can't say for sure. Maybe I actually read that on here.

That's why I asked, I've heard a number of people carry 10's up in Alaska.  In the heat of the moment I'd probably rather have 15 rounds of 10mm than 6 of .44mag or something similar.

[sirmissalot]

In all honestly I think you'd be lucky to get 6 shots off on a charging bear, let alone 15. The few close encounters we have seen they are very close bluff charges, coming out of nowhere. One instance a couple years ago a buddy actually had to fire on one after it had took an elk quarter that was left overnight, he barely was able to get a shot off at the hip and after one shot it turned and ran.

I agree with jackelope in that most the bears aren't that big. We have trail cam pictures of one big bruiser but he's still maybe 600lbs, nothing compared to the big browns up north.

[MtnMuley]

Once you guys have a face to face with a charging grizz that was in excess of 700# easlily, you'll think differently.  This was a lower 48 grizz as well.  I'd never came across anything in the woods that worried me much including wolves and cats, but this really turned on a whole light.  Just pray that when they erpu,t that hopefully it occcurs at a distance great enough that they realize you're a human and not other prey.

[wildmanoutdoors]

Tell us more! You had that happen?

[jackelope]

Once you guys have a face to face with a charging grizz that was in excess of 700# easlily, you'll think differently.  This was a lower 48 grizz as well.  I'd never came across anything in the woods that worried me much including wolves and cats, but this really turned on a whole light.  Just pray that when they erpu,t that hopefully it occcurs at a distance great enough that they realize you're a human and not other prey.

I'm sure you've seen more than 1 in your escapades. How many of them are that big?
Maybe I'm off. We did see one other one from a great distance so tough to say just how big, but it still wasn't a legendary 9 footer from up north.

[75johndeere]

Just tagging along was about to ask the same question

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

[MtnMuley]

I'd say the average for an lower 48 grizz would be around 400-500#.  Granted, that's an adult.  That Montana country just seems to grow em a little bigger that other parts, such as Wyoming.

[Bob33]

Bear spray is a more effective solution.

[MtnMuley]

Bear spray is a more effective solution.

Definately a matter of opinion.  Horsepower for me.

[washingtonmuley]

Bear spray is a more effective solution.

Definately a matter of opinion.  Horsepower for me.

Good luck with that bear spray. I will take my .454 over bear spray any day.

[headshot5]

Good luck with that bear spray. I will take my .454 over bear spray any day.

I'd rather trust myselft to something i can control (one of my pistolas)  as opposed to bear spray which is rather ineffective in any wind, especially a head wind.  All you do then, is baste yourself with pepper sauce.  Having both would be the ultimate option.  But if I had to choose one over the other it would be the pistol,  if nothing else you can use the pistol to call for help after you get the crap chewed out of you.  Three shots in the air (with pepperspray) after being mauled won't do you much good except to shower hotsauce in open wounds.

       

[sirmissalot]

The guides I know refer to it as hair spray. They all pack it because they basically have to, but when it comes down to it they are going to pull out their rifle or pistol well before the spray. The wardens insist on everyone packing them, and I think if a guide or outfitter shot a bear without having bear spray on him he may get himself into a little more trouble.