I was hunting in Peace River, Alberta late September and packing a 340 Weatherby for elk, which is lots of gun for the job even when a bear started growling @ 10 yards in heavy bush. The bush was too heavy to see through. With a little discussion we both agreed that a confrontation was not in the best interest of those involved. I moved on talking as if to a friend and the bear left for the new territory across the river.A discovery of her origin and a 2 year old cub's presence was thru evidence left at the rivers edge. An exciting tale but left one thinking, "maybe the new 500NE double would not have been such a bad choice after all". A mother grizzly at that range and no trouble - amazing,they are very intelligent and their presence can leave you feeling humble and blest.

I suppose an encounter with a grizzily would leave you wanting more than a 340 Weatherby. The problem arises that a 500 NE is almost as useful as a spear on an elk hunt!!

When you get into those situations you always think bigger is better, I personally think you had a great caliber for an interior grizz at that distance, what would kill you in a charge at that distance is having the scope on the rifle at that time. Even a scope at 1.5 magnification with a charge at 10 yds could be trouble.

Couldn't agree with you more about the scope. I thought about taking the 500NE just for hunting in the bush, not so much for the power but to say it was used, my guns are to hunt and they all have to earn their way. Won't be going to Africa till 2011 . A second shot is always good when your that close and the cub was probably 200 plus pounds - just a thought at the time.