7.62x39mm For Bear?

[Crunch14]

I use a DPMS LR308 in brushy terrain for deer and bear.  Easy to carry, extremely reliable, weatherproof .308.  I love the thing.

[Bullets_n_Octane]

Yes, FMJ's are LEGAL, and I use a 5 round mag for multiple reasons. Using a 30 round is in the way, too bulky, and quite frankly, looks ridiculous. I try to make the rifle look as friendly as possible. I get enough double takes for carrying an AK around as it is.

[Tiger1358]

Does anyone use it for bear? I was wondering if it would have enough energy behind it to bring down a bear. I have soft points, HP  and FMJ. what are your opinions? Thanks.

Don't worry ,you will be fine. I knew a lot of hunters back home in Europe, that have tried a bear hunting with an AK - 47. Worked pretty good, but they were using military ammo. I am sure soft point will be the best . 7,62 X 39 is not the best caliber for bear,but it will still work. Just try to shoot the bear as much as you can and if you hit it a couple times, you gonna have a good dinner. Good luck

[Wanttohuntmore]

The fmj rule must have changed in the last three years then.  I specifically remember that "expanding type" bullets must be used for big game.  Must have changed the regs about the same time they made 357's legal for big game and some other changes.  Regardless, don't use fmjs, you'll lose too many bear that way.

[bobcat]

It's been a long time since fmj's were not legal. I just looked in the 2001 pamphlet and there's nothing in there specifying what kind of bullets can or cannot be used.

There is also no restrictions on legal handguns for hunting, other than 24 caliber and 4 inch barrel minimums.

I do think you're right- they did away with all those types of restrictions at the same time, in an attempt to simplify the reg's.


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[snowpack]

That might be bobcat, I seem to remember back in the day the requirement being a minimum energy for big game--thought there was a number like 800 ft-lbs (fuzzy on this one though).  Now it is just barrel length, centerfire and a min caliber.