25-06 for bear?

[whatcomhunter]

I was wondering if you guys think a 25-06 would be enough to take down a black bear? I hand load my ammunition so if you guys have any input on what load i should use that would be great to. I am thinking about buying a 30-06 but i dont really want to spend the money right now if i can use my 25-06 deer riffle for bear too. Also this will be my first year bear hunting i have deer hunted for a few years so any tips would also be great. Thanks

[Wazukie]

   took my first bear with a 25-06, heck a .243 or a 30-30 will drop any bear in this state.

[whatcomhunter]

  took my first bear with a 25-06, heck a .243 or a 30-30 will drop any bear in this state.

Thanks! Looks like i wont need to buy a bigger gun this year.

[grundy53]

I've killed s bear with my 25-06. More then enough gun. I would he more concerned with what bullet to use.

sent from my typewriter

[7mmstalker]

You will probably be fine with a rifle that you're used to , and shoot better than something unfamiliar/ new to you.
If a bigger bullet may be good for putting down your bear a bit quicker, but with a well placed shot the 25-06 would drop it in it's tracks.
Of course, in the real world sometimes the shot doesn't hit exactly right!  I'm in your neighborhood (Whatcom Co.) and understand the underbrush is crazy thick around here, not good or easy for blood trailing, especially if the rain starts! 
Shoot me a PM and tell me a bit about your plans, I might have some options for you.

[bendotti]

My wife dropped her first bear last year with a .243 @ 150 yards.

[Huntboy]

Bullet choice is probably the biggest key.

[boneaddict]

I have killed several with my 25.  I use 117 nosler then switched to 120s when they stopped making 117s.  Make a good shot and its no problem. 

[runningboard]

I shot a BIG black bear with a 25-06 with the OLD speer 120 grand slam I got in bulk from a gunshow, no muss no fuss.

[G.R.K]

Shot placement is what matters the most,not the caliber or bullet.

[whatcomhunter]

Shot placement is what matters the most,not the caliber or bullet.

The best spot to place the shot would be in the heart and lungs right?

[xXLojackXx]

I shoot my 6mm (.243) with 115gr DTacs for bear out to 700 yards. No problems yet. Just lace one through the heart/lungs and break the front shoulder. They don't go anywhere.

[Blacktail Sniper]

Shot placement is what matters the most,not the caliber or bullet.

I would disagree, the choice of bullet design is equally important in the sense that if you hit it perfect, but with a bullet designed for varmint style hunting, it may just explode on the skin or barely penetrate, resulting in a perfect shot, but a wounded bear none the less.

Look for a bullet that is designed for proper, controlled expansion and avoid the explosive, lighter jacketed bullets.  Then you should be good to go!

[bearpaw]

Your 25/06 should work great, I've seen 8 bear taken with a 257 wtby which is the same size bullet and they all died fast, none went any distance at all. Use a quality bullet for bear and you'll be fine.

[bobcat]

I would use one of the 100% copper bullets, such as the Barnes.  You will be almost guaranteed that such a bullet will go all the way through the bear, providing you with an entrance and an exit hole, and a better blood trail.

[carpsniperg2]

As said. Solid bullet=dead bear.

[mountainman]

As said. Solid bullet=dead bear.

I would use one of the 100% copper bullets, such as the Barnes.  You will be almost guaranteed that such a bullet will go all the way through the bear, providing you with an entrance and an exit hole, and a better blood trail.

[Blacktail Sniper]

I would use one of the 100% copper bullets, such as the Barnes.  You will be almost guaranteed that such a bullet will go all the way through the bear, providing you with an entrance and an exit hole, and a better blood trail.

Couldn't do much better than that!!

[bearpaw]

I would use one of the 100% copper bullets, such as the Barnes.  You will be almost guaranteed that such a bullet will go all the way through the bear, providing you with an entrance and an exit hole, and a better blood trail.

Couldn't do much better than that!!

We are shooting 100 grain Barnes Tipped TSX, shoot them right through the shoulder, bullets usually go all the way through, no bear has walked away. Even seen 3 moose killed with that bullet.

[callonetta]

  My wife killed her 1st bear in Prince of Wales using a Barnes TSX 100gr. in her 25-06AI, broke both shoulders, bear did not go more than 10 yards.

[whatcomhunter]

How would a 120gr nosler partition work?

[xXLojackXx]

How would a 120gr nosler partition work?

Partitions are a solid hunting bullet. Nosler Partitions, Nosler Accubonds, Barnes TSX/TTSX, Berger VLD's, Hornady GMX/AMAX/SST's are all good hunting bullets. My preference is in the Berger VLD's for their accuracy, High BC's, and deadly expansion. But have also had great results with Barnes TSX, Accubonds, and Hornady's.

Just pick one and place a good shot, and post some pics of your bear. That simple 

[boneaddict]

I have killed several with my 25.  I use 117 nosler then switched to 120s when they stopped making 117s.  Make a good shot and its no problem.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Deadly in the right hands  I have seen my hunting buddy roll a few with the 25-06 .....117 GR Hornaday 

[bobcat]

Partitions are good too, just kinda old fashioned.      

[7mmstalker]

My boy and I are headed out this weekend, he'll be using a 243 Win.  with 85gr X bullets.   He doesn't take chances on long shots and thats fine with me.
Your  25-06 can push a heavier and longer slug, Used to know a guy that hunted everything from Moose, Black Bear, Caribou and other stuff with his 25-06.