Bear v. 270

[Ridgerunner]

Having not had much experience with bears I was wondering what everyone thought of a 270 shooting barnes triple shock bullets 130 grain would be adequate on a black bear?  Or do I need to change my load specificially for bears?  Thoughts, opinions,

[Outfitter]

We take around 20 bears a year and the hunters use various calibers.What I am concerned with when I'm tracking a bear is placement not so much the caliber.I 've had bears shot with 375s come up out of the brush at me because they were shot a little far back and seen bears shot with a 243 drop in his tracks. A 270 is one of the most common calibers we get through here and is definitely adiquit for black bear up to 250-300yrds.Place your shot as if you are bowhunting and you won't have any problems with a 270. Good luck on your hunt !

[bobcat]

I think the 270 with the Barnes 130 TSX is a PERFECT combination for bears.

[GoldTip]

I would agree, black bears die quite well with a well placed shot.  All bears I have killed with a bow (5) have gone probably only 50% of the distance of the deer/elk I've shot with archery, all heart/lung shots.  Shot placement is key with black bears.  Shoot well and virtually any cartridge will do well on bears at a reasonable distance.

[Head-shot]

Shoot well and virtually any cartridge will do well on bears at a reasonable distance.

I agree, good shot placement and knowing YOUR own abilities with your weapon, will make you more productive than just packing a cannon into the stick. IMO

[saylean]

Another one for shot placement. I have killed 1 bear with a .270, dropped in its tracks. Killed one bear with a .300...hit it in the heart and it bolted about 30 ft or so, died....Placement in my opinion is key for any animal. Good luck.

[KillBilly]

BTKR has killed all of his bears with a .270 and I can't imagine him wanting to use another calibre.

[billythekidrock]

Another for shot placement. I have seen alot of guys lose or miss bears with big bores because they don't know their firearm or anatomy or they just get scared. I would suggest moving up to a 150 grns though.

Here are some anatomy photos with some spots for shot placement. I know that this could open a can of worms, but blast away. The green dots would the best shot though I have taken a few bears with the red dot shot.

[KillBilly]

That second pic is an ugly bear..... 

[WDFW-SUX]

I prefer the red shot IMHO break them down and they never get far.  I dont think it matters all that much on a blackie with a high power rifle and a good quality bullet Barnes, Nosler, swift A frame etc. Brown bear the shoulder shot is always preferred. Archery the green dot 100%

[bobcat]

I would suggest moving up to a 150 grns though.

With any bullet other than the Barnes TSX, I would agree. But that bullet is 100% copper and will retain at least 90% of its weight. A 130 Barnes is as good or better than most any other 150 grain bullet.

[billythekidrock]

Another anatomy pic.

[KillBilly]

Is there a bear porn site you are getting these undressed bear pics from

[actionshooter]

That ones not gonna make a very good rug, its rubbed out a little to much     

[KillBilly]

Michelle will fix it up.

[billythekidrock]

That ones not gonna make a very good rug, its rubbed out a little to much    

Full body mount with the "rubbed" side against the wall. No one will know the difference.

[Ridgerunner]

Great photos of the bears anatomy.  Seems to me that the 130 grain would do the trick too.  Glad to hear I'm not alone on that one.

[PacificNWhunter]

It should work, my buddy uses a really light bullet for bears and has never had a problem. I have a .300 and shoot 165's, they work great!