well .243 & Berger VLD's is whats going as of now.

[Mxracer532]

So far my trusty Gordy Gritters built .243 shooting 95gn Berger Bullets is winning after my first round of testing in my brothers .260 shooting 140gn Berger VLD's. So far its just far more accurate and I have far more confidence in my rifle. I am gonna do another round of testing in the .260 Saturday and see how much more accuracy I can come up with. I am kinda shocked tho at how many people DONT shoot Berger bullets for bear. One thing I have noticed with the Berger bullet is it performs better at longer ranges. Under 200 yards the bullet going 3136fps come apart fairly rapidly yet at 520 yards on a mule deer buck the hide on the opposite shoulder was all that kept the bullet from exiting after destroying the opposite shoulder. I know im gonna get alittle bashing about using a .243 but my confidence in this gun and bullet combo is very high.

[JakeLand]

 confidence in your shot placement is far more superior than a larger caliber bullet not being placed right

[BULLBLASTER]

Nothin at all wrong with a 243 for bears. They die just like anything else. Just put it where it meeds to be. They aren't armor clad attack tanks!    that said I think I'm going to use my 375 h&h for my spring be a hunt... is ot needed? Absolutely not busy t it is my newest gun and I wamt to spill some blood with it! You are comfortable with your 243 and can put the bullet wjere it needs to be so you will be fine.

[Todd_ID]

I'm planning on having a .243 in my pack somewhere, too.  I'll bowhunt, but the .243 would come out if I can't figure out how to get close enough for the bow.  I have no reservations using a .243 that you know you can put the bullet on the exact hair you want to hit.  I've got some 100 gr Hornady Interlocks loaded up for it.

[Mxracer532]

I'm planning on having a .243 in my pack somewhere, too.  I'll bowhunt, but the .243 would come out if I can't figure out how to get close enough for the bow.  I have no reservations using a .243 that you know you can put the bullet on the exact hair you want to hit.  I've got some 100 gr Hornady Interlocks loaded up for it.

That was my original plan also, but my freind thats taking me into the back country said If I want to take a bear with my bow he would take me in the back country in the fall where it will be alot more do able. I guess for my first bear hunt that will be ok with me. 2nd bear will be strictly archery.

[skagitsteel]

My concern with the Berger .243 combo would be lack of penetration on a larger fall bear.  A bigger bear can have a really thick hide and fat layer in the fall, Smaller bear its probably fine.  I have some bergers I want to try in my 300 win mag this fall.  My hesitation to using them is not having an exit wound to track a bear.  The fat and hide in the fall can quickly plug a hole 

[BOWHUNTER45]

confidence in your shot placement is far more superior than a larger caliber bullet not being placed right

Amen to that ..

[BOWHUNTER45]

I'm planning on having a .243 in my pack somewhere, too.  I'll bowhunt, but the .243 would come out if I can't figure out how to get close enough for the bow.  I have no reservations using a .243 that you know you can put the bullet on the exact hair you want to hit.  I've got some 100 gr Hornady Interlocks loaded up for it.

hey ..bowhunters do not pack guns 

[Mxracer532]

My concern with the Berger .243 combo would be lack of penetration on a larger fall bear.  A bigger bear can have a really thick hide and fat layer in the fall, Smaller bear its probably fine.  I have some bergers I want to try in my 300 win mag this fall.  My hesitation to using them is not having an exit wound to track a bear.  The fat and hide in the fall can quickly plug a hole 

They penetrate VERY well at distance. My sister shot a muley buck  at 520 yards last year and it the bullet went completely through the offside shoulder and just barely didnt break the hide. They penetrate 3in before expansion starts and then releases all the energy in the animal. Ur 300 shooting Bergers would be fantastic, no need for an exit when they fold up on the shot.

[skagitsteel]

My concern with the Berger .243 combo would be lack of penetration on a larger fall bear.  A bigger bear can have a really thick hide and fat layer in the fall, Smaller bear its probably fine.  I have some bergers I want to try in my 300 win mag this fall.  My hesitation to using them is not having an exit wound to track a bear.  The fat and hide in the fall can quickly plug a hole 

They penetrate VERY well at distance. My sister shot a muley buck  at 520 yards last year and it the bullet went completely through the offside shoulder and just barely didnt break the hide. They penetrate 3in before expansion starts and then releases all the energy in the animal. Ur 300 shooting Bergers would be fantastic, no need for an exit when they fold up on the shot.

sounds like I will have to give them a try  
usually I shoot for the shoulder, seems like a behind the shoulder shot might work better with the bergers

[xXLojackXx]

My friend hunts bears with a .243 55gr Vmax bullet. Neck shots on all of his bears and quick recoveries. Those varmint bullets destroy neck tissue and arteries.

[Jesse Jaymes]

Neat thread, as I am wringing out the exact same combo.....or trying to.  My 243 is a factory SPS in 1-9 1/8" twist.  I get varying results with the 105 Hornadys.

My results are opposite.  I have a really nice load for the 260 with a 140 Nosler Ballistic tip and my rifle never really liked the Bergers.  But I am trying them again and toying with them more.  I shot the 140VLDs out to 500 this weekend.  Very consistent and they held truer than the ballistic profile claimed.

I am always WAY over-gunned.  I love anything .338 and have a few.  Trying to believe in smaller calibers.

[Eli346]

 Those VLD's will work with a shoulder shot as well as behind the shoulder. I tried to take out the shoulder on a bear and did. It blew up both shoulders and the heart and lungs at about 80 yds,168 gr VLD-300 WSM. Elk at 80 yds took out both shoulders and lungs. Mule deer and 600 yds took out both lungs with a behind the shoulder shot. All were DRT.

[Mxracer532]

Neat thread, as I am wringing out the exact same combo.....or trying to.  My 243 is a factory SPS in 1-9 1/8" twist.  I get varying results with the 105 Hornadys.

My results are opposite.  I have a really nice load for the 260 with a 140 Nosler Ballistic tip and my rifle never really liked the Bergers.  But I am trying them again and toying with them more.  I shot the 140VLDs out to 500 this weekend.  Very consistent and they held truer than the ballistic profile claimed.

I am always WAY over-gunned.  I love anything .338 and have a few.  Trying to believe in smaller calibers.

If your not getting what you hoped for with the .260 and 140 VLD's try a .10 jam and back off .10 the .20 then .30 .40 .50 one of these should shoot and shoot very well. I found my nephews Savage shot .10 jam REALLY good.

[mrolen]

I have taken a bear with a 243 before It worked but needed a follow up shot. 300 wsm with 180s seems to turn the switch off  pretty quick