I was thinking of using this combo for black bears, this fall, i had originally thought of using a 243 as that was the only option i had but i have lucked into a great deal on a ruger compact stainless laminate, i love the compact size and packability of this little baby, the only problem is, the 16 inch barrel limits velocity,

I am thinking i could get around 2750 to 2800fps with the 120's, seeing as that is 200fps lower than a standard length. do you think that the north fork 120 is adequate.

The 260 is an excellent choice. Try it with the new 130gr Nosler Accubond. I just love my 260.

Bomber, The very combination you are mentioning 120's and the Ruger stubby have accounted for a significant amount of deer sized game very effectively for my nephew. The cartridge is a strong performer. Don't worry about the slight muzzle velocity issue as the game bullets function very well at those speeds. The .260 will be a much better killer for you than a .243.

That's my 2 cents.

I have killed a few black bears and I would prefer a larger bore.

Will you be hunting over bait or spot and stalk?

I would give a thought to the 140gr NF.

What is the rate of twist in the Ruger M77? A 1-9" might be marginal for stabilizing a 140+ gr bullet unless pushed hard, whereas a 1-8" should work fine, depending on the rifle. I have no experience with NF bullets, but my Kimber M84 with a 1-9" shoots Hornady 129gr SP Interlocks very well and they perform perfectly on WT deer. That being said, I also concur with NE450#2 on prefering a larger bore for bear. However a 125-140gr NF or Partition, if placed right, should work ok on small black bears.

The .260 Rem is more than adequate for black bear given a proper bullet. I have not taken any game with the 120 grain NF, but their bullets have a stellar reputation. The 125 grain Partition or 130 grain Accubond would certainly be excellent choices.

If your rifle happens to handle the 140 grainers, the Sierra BT GameKing is a relatively stout bullet at .260/20" velocities and would do well on a black bear. I've taken quite a few hogs with this bullet from various 6.5s and have always been pleased, but then again, any of the long, slender 140 grain 6.5s (at least those intended for hunting) and their attendant high sectional densities afford super penetration given modest 6.5x55/.260 velocities.

I will be hunting over bait, i do not see an advantage of the 125 partition or accubond over a 120 grain north fork that will retain over 95% and penetrate, the 140's are tempting and still a possibility,

the way i look at it, if a 6.5X55 can be the most popular moose caliber in scandinavia, then a 260 will handle a blackie over bait.

quote:

Originally posted by 30378:
The 260 is an excellent choice. Try it with the new 130gr Nosler Accubond. I just love my 260.

nice, tell us more.........

quote:

the way i look at it, if a 6.5X55 can be the most popular moose caliber in scandinavia, then a 260 will handle a blackie over bait.

Yeah, but moose can't claw one to shreds.

Arkansas used to be known as the "Bear State" as its motto, because of the high density of black bears, and as such, the right of passage to become a man when you were a teenager was the dad would have the hounds track and corner a bear, and the son would take the family knife in to finish the bear off,

so around here, "claw one to shreds gets a giggle, as bears are considered vermin,

Paul "Bear" Bryant got his name for wrestling a blackie and getting a scar on the ear, oh yeah, he was from arkansas

m. brady says that he is out of stock of the 120's so i guess it will be the 140's

it'll work, if you put the bullet where it counts

Barnes TSX 120 grain would be another good option IMO

not a fan of tsx bullets for bear, as the blood trail might not be the best with that bullet, but i could be wrong, the north fork's have a good compromise of expansion and penetration.

although, i have thought about the a-frames,

I wouldnt dismiss the X bullet, they are excellent killers. If you want lots of expansion and still have (in theory) penetration to exit, check out a Nosler accubond 130 grain

Try a GS Custom.