What gun to use?

[carpsniperg2]

I am havin a hard time picking which gun to use for bear hunting this year. I got up early this am, and went and shot the 2 side by side. The first is my time tested sako handed down to me by my father. It is a gun i trust my life to and has never let me down. the other is my new 338 win mag today was the first time i shot it. It shot very well and i am very happy with it. i will list what i feel the pro's and cons are in my mind with these 2 particular guns in my case. let me know what you think. also yes both will kill any bear that walk's and both are more then good to get the job done. The 338 has factory ammo because i did not have time to make up some handloads for it.
Just want everyones 2cents

sako 300 win mag      
vx-3 4.5-14
180g nosler partitions handloads
pros: i trust this gun, i can shoot 200+ yards if needed "most time shots are less then 100 when calling" very solid bullet i trust. little less zoom for the close shots.
cons: on closer shots it does shoot higher because of my zero only about 1.5 at 50, very decorative gun and hunting in thicker crap and don't want to bang it up much because it means a ton to me.

Ruger M77 338 win mag
vx-2 6-18
225 corelock remingtons "factory" the only factory ammo i am shooting on any of my guns as of now.
pros: bigger bullet, a little more knock down. zeroed at about 100 yards so shooting about right dead on to 100 yards.
cons: new rifle "shoots well" not good for longer shots because of my zero incase a rare shot at 200+ yards presents itself. a bullet that is good but not perfect in my mind. but we have never had a problem with them not working over the years when we have used them.

let me know what what you all think.

[addicted]

take the sako for a few reasons

1. it's a sako
2. your other option is a ruger
3. your more comfortable/confident with the sako
4. the variable is lower. so you will be quicker to get him in the scope.
5. nosler partitions rock

[1bugman]

Some one doesn't like Ruger. Either one is more than enough gun but always go with the one your more comfortable shooting.

[carpsniperg2]

yeah i am very commfy with my sako, but i am also commfy with the new ruger it shot very well.

addicted pretty well summed it up and that is how i feel also but like the new gun also

[saylean]

take the sako for a few reasons

1. it's a sako
2. your other option is a ruger
3. your more comfortable/confident with the sako
4. the variable is lower. so you will be quicker to get him in the scope.
5. nosler partitions rock

X2

Good luck!

[7mmfan]

I am a biased Ruger enthusiast so my choice is clear. Plus the 338 has a little more knockdown, not that the 300 is a plinker. Also, you have a new gun, you need to take it out and get a little blood on it. Theres nothing worse than having a worthy hunting rifle in your safe that has never seen the field. As long as your confident with it and how it shoots, then take that Ruger out and put a notch on it. Thats just my 

[GoldTip]

I agree, go get that new Ruger bloody, then you will become more comfy with it as well.  I too am a Ruger fan, and I know the Partition is a very good bullet out of your 300 win, that 225gr core lokt out of 338 will not disappoint you on a black bear.

[Woodchuck]

i shot core-lokts 225gr's for a long time. ol .338 never let me down

[h20hunter]

Bloody the new gun for sure. Both are fine rifles and more than up for the job. Good luck to all.

[Skyvalhunter]

The one you are most comfortable with!!

[Caseyd]

I also vote to bloody the new gun  

[Rufous]

Why on earth would you put a 6-18x scope on a 338 to hunt big game with, especially at the modest ranges you indicate?

[jackelope]

I would take the one that will make the bears more deader.

I agree with some of the other posts. Take whichever one you want to take, whats the difference?
I personally think you run the risk of kinda being screwed if you're calling and a bear appears at 15 yards with a 6-18x scope....you're gonna have a hard time seeing your shot.

[Woodchuck]

good point

[BigD]

I agree with the 6X , but I would take it any way. Spen some quality time with it and see how you really like it.