Hello all!! I am looking for a good bear gun. I live and hunt in British Columbia, Canada. I run into alot of black bears and the odd grizz. I'm starting to see more and more grizz. I cant seem to settle on an all purpose gun. I've had a .444 Marlin, 45/70 Marlin Guide Gun, a .450 Marlin guide gun, a .375 H&H, a 30 06' and a 7mm mag. Curently I own a .270 WSM. With the exception of the .270WSM none of the above realy turned me on. I can only carry one gun at a time, what should it be??? I wish I could own many guns at once but funds are low so I am usually forced to sell or trade in order to get the next one. Most of my hunting is for Mule Deer and Black bear, in open and dence forest. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

The new 325 WSM may be just what you are looking for in a rifle...only slightly less powerful than a 338 WinMag.

Then there's the story of the guy who came into bear camp with a brand, shiny new 44 magnum revolver.
The old guide asked "what's that for?"
The hunter replied, "For bear protection"
The guide asked to see it and the hunter said
"Sure" and handed it over.
The grizzled old guide looked it over, long and hard, then handed it back to the hunter.
"Nice gun" the old man said. 'cept it'll be a lot better once you file that front sight off"
Puzzled, the hunter asked "Now why would I want to do that?
In all seriousness the guide responded," So it don't hurt so much when the bear shoves it up your ass"

Hey Mountain_man, welcome to the forum. Sounds like a .338 Win or the equivalent would be just the ticket. It shoots flat, ammo and componants(if you reload) are readily available, and the darn thing hits like the Hammer of Thor. You would not feel over gunned for deer and black bear, nor under gunned for ole Ursus horribilis.

Geronimo

I use a 338 Win Mag loaded with 210 Noslers for just about everything anymore. I reload and have a few loads that hit at the same point of impact. A well constructed 225 grain bullet will handle any Grizzly bear, and I wouldn't hesitate to use the 210 grain Nosler. Plus, it shoots flat enough for my needs, and doesn't tear deer all up.

Sounds like you need to join the 338 club.

Kutenay will probably be along shortly, he lives in BC and uses a 338 quite a bit.

Hey M_m,

I would suggest that you try carrying a 22LR along with the 375H&H. Use the 375 for everthing else but save the 22LR for bear. Shoot the bear in the flank then jump up and make lots of noise. Suspect some where along the way you will learn to appreciate that 375!

Maybe something chambered in 350 rem mag, or even 358 norma mag if you want some form of stopping power without getting the snot kicked out of you(ie 375 H&H)...

forgot the 35 whelen too

I suppose I might as well let the cat out of the bag.

The answer to your question is: the 270WSM! Why? Because you want it.

Is there a better option? Not really. Because you like the gun, shoot it well, and have confidence in it, the 270WSM will do better for you than anything else.

If you want to make a concession to the bears, load it with 150 or 160 grain bullets.

For me, the best gun would be my 358Win. Cause I like it, have confidence in it, and shoot it well. JMO, Dutch.

358 Win.
338-06
35 Whelen
9.3x62
8x57

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Most of my hunting is for Mule Deer and Black bear, in open and dence forest. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

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You need a 338 Win Mag loaded with 210 Noslers...

.375 H&H - Nosler 260 Grain Accubond

Roland

ole shell been around now 99 years and still the best in the west and with 200 grain bonded bullets will kick the snot out of any griz that ever lived. Do a fine job of deer, elk, moose, caribou, .....well you get the drift.....

Ya kin buy ammo fer it anywhere in the world and it's available in very light rifles and there's sumtin to be sed about that!!!

Maybe ya heard of it.....the "turdy'aught six".

quote:

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Originally posted by vapodog:
ole shell been around now 99 years and still the best in the west and with 200 grain bonded bullets will kick the snot out of any griz that ever lived. Do a fine job of deer, elk, moose, caribou, .....well you get the drift.....

Ya kin buy ammo fer it anywhere in the world and it's available in very light rifles and there's sumtin to be sed about that!!!

Maybe ya heard of it.....the "turdy'aught six".

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Thank you all for the good advice. I may have solved my problem. I just got an awsome deal from my local gunsmith. A custom .35 Whelen unfired built on a Mauser action. It has open sights and is parkerized. The barrel is a little shorter than I would like(20") but I did say I hunt in heavy bush most of the time. It should be handy. It does need a new stock but thats not a problem. Some guy had it built but never picked it up, his loss my gain. $400.00 Can. Thats about $100.00US or so it seems The best part is that I can keep the 270wsm at that price!!! Again, thanks for all the good help.

Woohoo. I'm happy for you.

I've been watching this thread just to see what advice was offered. I think this is the best outcome in every way. Back in the day my father in law carried a 30-06 around BC while working for the Fisheries Dept. He never felt unsafe, and I don't think you should either.