Hello all.

Looking around for a spring bear hunt and are wondering about calibers for bear hunting.
I know a large number of bears have been taken with 3006 and similar. So, they get the job done.

I have a single shoot in 7X65R, really like the gun. Light and handy for long walks. But, will I be a bit on the low side regarding power?
Then, is it madness to go bear hunting with a single shot?

Have a good evening all.

What type and size of bears are you looking at shooting,

with a good bullet bears up to 500lbs shouldn't be problem personally if I knew I was going to shoot really large bears saw above 800lbs I most likely take something bigger.

Its not madness ,
But it raises the danger factor a little..
...tj3006

I take it you are talking about brown bears, which are closer related to the North American browns/grizzlies than to black bears.

If so, I would look at something bigger, like the 9.3x74 or 9.3x62 with 286-grain bullets, instead.

Thank you for the reply`s.
Yes, it is brown bears I am having in mind.
I do have a drilling in 9.3*74R, but it is only one shot and a bit heavy. But, it can hold two loads of slugs...

For european brown bear i think it work fine but if its american or kamtjatka brown bear 7*65r with only one shot is a little to small. 9,3*74 with slugs as back up would work great for bait hunt, but dont you have a repeter rifle bigger than 7mm.

Hello.

Thanks for the reply.
Well, yes, I do have my 8*60S.
But, I really like hunting with a break open a lot more.
That is why I am asking.
But, I agree, only one rifle shot in a drilling is a bit on the low side......

I like this cartridge and have used it successfully. A Merkel O/U 16 Gauge. I wouldn't hesitate to use it on bears of any size, if one can shoot and uses a 170 grain or so premium bullet. The second shot can be held between the fingers of the forend hand if a quick second shot is needed.

Jerry