Best .308 round for bear defense?
- Thread starter Mr. Lionheart
- Start date
- Status
Mr. Lionheart
Inactive
Just in case you didn't notice AllenJ I've since changed my mind on the length of the barrel to 18" instead, is that still too short for Barnes X?
jackstrawIII
New member
Partition is a good choice. I'd probably go with those, or the Barnes.
It really depends on what velocity your getting in your rifle. I would guess that using 150's or maybe even 168's you'd be fine for close encounters, the bullet should be going fast enough to cause expansion. I would not use 180 grain or heavier with Barnes bullets though. Just my opinion from what I've seen in the field using them.
Expansion being the enemy of penetration, I'm going to say just the exact opposite of AllanJ. I'd use a 180gr partition, followed by a 165, and not bother with the 150.
Okay to shoot a caribou with a bear bullet, but not the other way around. The 180 will not be blistering fast out of a 16" barrel, or from a 308 in general, but it will be harder hitting, deeper penetrating, and break more bone than and hand gun. It will also handily kill a 'bou at 300 yards.
Okay to shoot a caribou with a bear bullet, but not the other way around. The 180 will not be blistering fast out of a 16" barrel, or from a 308 in general, but it will be harder hitting, deeper penetrating, and break more bone than and hand gun. It will also handily kill a 'bou at 300 yards.
spacemanspiff
New member
I'm not fully informed on all hunting regulations, so I could be wrong on this, but if you choose to hunt with a semi-auto rifle, isnt there magazine restrictions?
None exist if its for bear DEFENSE, but I have always been under the impression that its 5 rds in a hunting rifle. I could be wrong. I'm one of those Alaska residents that rarely leaves the big city. Did one moose hunt (unsuccessful) probably 12 years back. Always talk about it, and I even bought a rifle I could hunt with (Pre64 Win in 30'06) but I still havent put glass on it yet.
As for your choice of weapon, i assume you are going to have a 3-9 or maybe 4-?x optic for the caribou. How well are you thinking you will be able to shoulder and find that bear in the crosshairs in close distance? Say, out to 100 yards? In the brush, where there is low chance of finding yourself on a flat area with no obstructions?
Finally, you said your boss drew the caribou and bear tags, you will want to research Alaskas Dept of Fish & Wildlife website to find the exact applicable laws, dont just rely upon your boss, especially if one or both of you are non-residents.
edited to add - discovered there are NO mag restrictions. But now I know, and knowing is half the battle! Great now I want to watch old GIJoe cartoons.
None exist if its for bear DEFENSE, but I have always been under the impression that its 5 rds in a hunting rifle. I could be wrong. I'm one of those Alaska residents that rarely leaves the big city. Did one moose hunt (unsuccessful) probably 12 years back. Always talk about it, and I even bought a rifle I could hunt with (Pre64 Win in 30'06) but I still havent put glass on it yet.
As for your choice of weapon, i assume you are going to have a 3-9 or maybe 4-?x optic for the caribou. How well are you thinking you will be able to shoulder and find that bear in the crosshairs in close distance? Say, out to 100 yards? In the brush, where there is low chance of finding yourself on a flat area with no obstructions?
Finally, you said your boss drew the caribou and bear tags, you will want to research Alaskas Dept of Fish & Wildlife website to find the exact applicable laws, dont just rely upon your boss, especially if one or both of you are non-residents.
edited to add - discovered there are NO mag restrictions. But now I know, and knowing is half the battle! Great now I want to watch old GIJoe cartoons.
Last edited:
Blindstitch
New member
Well now you know that most places don't have magazine restrictions. I contacted the Wisconsin DNR about it for a friend last year and they said I could have a 100 round magazine and it would be perfectly fine as long as the gun wasn't full auto.
But it is always wise to see if gun type, cartridge, ... are legal where you're going.
But it is always wise to see if gun type, cartridge, ... are legal where you're going.
Hi, I wasnt on this forum quite a while.
I wouldnt use 308 on the bear in walk and stalk, or accidental meeting & selfdefence scenario, and given the circumstances I would opt at least for any other option, like renting a more appropriate rifle, or buying such rifle.
But to keep in line with thread, I would suggest:
Hornady superperfomance ammunition which can squeeze out additional 100 to 200 ft/sec, as per manufacturer claims. In some elaborations it is more powerful then average 30-06.
The bullet to be used, as hard as possible, for controlled expansion and maximum penetration, such as:
interbond
or GMX
Keep in mind that charging bear is full of adrenaline, and even good hit in vital organs will probably not stop him. Hitting cns should stop him in his tracks, only.
It is different if using same caliber for aimed shot, from a stand for example and effectiveness of same caliber in different situation is completely different.
However, using a rifle in 308 on a bear, is also a better option then using a handgun...
Good luck!
I wouldnt use 308 on the bear in walk and stalk, or accidental meeting & selfdefence scenario, and given the circumstances I would opt at least for any other option, like renting a more appropriate rifle, or buying such rifle.
But to keep in line with thread, I would suggest:
Hornady superperfomance ammunition which can squeeze out additional 100 to 200 ft/sec, as per manufacturer claims. In some elaborations it is more powerful then average 30-06.
The bullet to be used, as hard as possible, for controlled expansion and maximum penetration, such as:
interbond
or GMX
Keep in mind that charging bear is full of adrenaline, and even good hit in vital organs will probably not stop him. Hitting cns should stop him in his tracks, only.
It is different if using same caliber for aimed shot, from a stand for example and effectiveness of same caliber in different situation is completely different.
However, using a rifle in 308 on a bear, is also a better option then using a handgun...
Good luck!
ShootistPRS
New member
For defensive use against large, dangerous, game the key is penetration. Heavy, non-expanding, bullets with a large flat point are almost always better than "hunting" bullets.
If you can use your rifle by all means use it. If you can't then a pistol shot into the neck is as good as it gets. If all you have is a knife then use it. This is defense - a surprise attack and you use what you have to preserve your life. Big bears have been killed with everything from a 22 rim fire to large bore rifles in defensive encounters. More often than not the only weapon available was a handgun in 44, 357, 40, or 9mm. In most cases the shot that stopped the attack was a shot into the neck while the bear was in contact.
You do what you can to not surprise a big bear and stay out of their way, but when it comes down to you and the animal use whatever you have to come out on top.
If you can use your rifle by all means use it. If you can't then a pistol shot into the neck is as good as it gets. If all you have is a knife then use it. This is defense - a surprise attack and you use what you have to preserve your life. Big bears have been killed with everything from a 22 rim fire to large bore rifles in defensive encounters. More often than not the only weapon available was a handgun in 44, 357, 40, or 9mm. In most cases the shot that stopped the attack was a shot into the neck while the bear was in contact.
You do what you can to not surprise a big bear and stay out of their way, but when it comes down to you and the animal use whatever you have to come out on top.
jackmoser65
New member
A good controlled expansion 180 to 200 grain bullet is what I'd want. Although I must say that an AR10 is a terrible choice for a hunting rifle.
Those saying that a brain shot is impossible are obviously not aware that hunters have been stopping charging African beasts with brain shots for 150 years.
Those saying that a brain shot is impossible are obviously not aware that hunters have been stopping charging African beasts with brain shots for 150 years.
That only works if it's a big bore. A 308 bullet needs to expand to work.
robertjunior
Inactive
Best Shotgun Choke Tubes
Hi! you are in Alaska, wow it is very beautiful state of USA. I wish, I come here one day. Dot 308 is best for bear defense, because it is semi automated gun with high killing power. For high gun velocity, you can use Carlsons choke tube in front of this gun. Mostly hunters agree that a lightweight rifle is best for serious bear hunting.
Hi! you are in Alaska, wow it is very beautiful state of USA. I wish, I come here one day. Dot 308 is best for bear defense, because it is semi automated gun with high killing power. For high gun velocity, you can use Carlsons choke tube in front of this gun. Mostly hunters agree that a lightweight rifle is best for serious bear hunting.
GianWetter
Inactive
I haven't shot it but I'd love to hear an opinion on the Browning BXC 308 round for this purpose or something similar if anyone has tried it. At least on paper it seems good for the role, 168 gr at 2820 with a brass controlled expansion tip.
- Status