30-06...what bullet for bear?

[bankwalker]

just curious what is the best bullet type for bear? i just picked up a 30-06 and im happy to have a better bear rifle then my moms 257. roberts

[DeKuma]

I always used 150 to 180 grain Core-lokt or Nosler.  Never had an issue on bear.

[jackelope]

165 tsx

[Ray]

Anything I got. I don't have any .30-06 loads lighter than 150 grains.

[bobcat]

165 tsx

That would be my first choice...or, wait, make that my second choice. I'd go with a 150 tsx just for the extra speed. And you can be sure even the 150 will go all the way through a bear from just about any angle you might try.

[bankwalker]

thanks guys.

[roosterslayer]

Anybody know of any 30-06 factory loads that dont cost $40 a box to hunt bear?

[GoldTip]

180gr core lokt's by remington.  They won't cost $40 a box either.

[CP]

Walmart sells Remington Core Lokt for $15.47 a box.  My 30-06 shots Federal PowerShok  (Walmart’s cheapest $12.97/box) just a bit tighter than the Core Lokt.  Each rifle seems to have its own preference, I don’t think it will matter to the bear.

[roosterslayer]

How about the federal fusions? anybody have good results with them?

[DeKuma]

I used them in my .308. They seemed to shoot well, but fragmented a lot on my last 2 deer.  I realize any bullet can, but the last one hit only a rib that I could see and it disintegrated sending shards up the neck and down through the length of the body.  Slight quartering away shot at 250 yards.

[Intruder]

165 tsx

That would be my first choice...or, wait, make that my second choice. I'd go with a 150 tsx just for the extra speed. And you can be sure even the 150 will go all the way through a bear from just about any angle you might try.

+1

Kinda depends on if you're reloading, buying factory ammo, etc.  150-180 depending on bullet construction is going to work well.  If you don't go w/ the tsx a high quality bonded bullet hornady, nosler, bear claw, swift will give better performance over a wider range of hunting scenarios as well as kinds of game.  Better than the bullets in lower end ammo that is.  It's nice to find a bullet/load that you can use for everything the 150 or 165 tsx in the 30/06 is a great place to start.  Either 1 will allow you to kill anything from antelope to elk easily out to 350 yards.  

[Abolt338]

I always used 180gr nosler partitions when I used an .06.  Fast, tough, accurate, and does DEEP damage.

RW

[Houndhunter]

my gun shoots federal best, kinda weird the more exspensive stuff doesnt shoot as well

but i only shoot 150s through my gun, if i switch grains my gun will shoot them different

[bankwalker]

my gun shoots federal best, kinda weird the more exspensive stuff doesnt shoot as well

but i only shoot 150s through my gun, if i switch grains my gun will shoot them different

my guns have always shot the cheap federal stuff he best. that and remington's cheap stuff.

[bobcat]

Anybody know of any 30-06 factory loads that dont cost $40 a box to hunt bear?

Sure, try the Winchester 180 grain Power Points from Wal-Mart priced at $12/box. I don't see a bear walking away after being hit by one of those.

[edmondshunter]

Crack um with a good old 220gr good out to 150 yrds,   200gr out to 230yrd

[bowelkin]

Have used nosler partition 180 grain from federal for many years on large game including big bears, moose, mtn. goats, and elk.  No reason for me to change since they give me good accuracy and penetrate  well.

[MountainWalk]

i would second the pick for the big long heavy 220's. superb sectional density. round noses are great on game where range is not extreme.

[Opportunist]

165 grain Trophy bonded bearclaws

[Gobble]

180 gr Trophy Bonded Bearclaw

or

180 gr Nosler Partition