HoraceHogsnort
New member
To my knowlege I've never been within a hundred miles of a grizzly in the wild but if I did come across one of them I'd sure like to have a ten ga. shotgun with big slugs. 
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What to rely on, while killing a grizzly
- Thread starter bjones870
- Start date
There was a company that made a SXS 10 gauge for turkey hunting. With a slug, you would be talking about a round that equaled many of the old english express double rifles.
I'd thought about that when it first came out, I'm sure it isn't regulated worth a poop, but if you could work with it, it would undoubtedly drop a grizzly with two rounds.
I'd thought about that when it first came out, I'm sure it isn't regulated worth a poop, but if you could work with it, it would undoubtedly drop a grizzly with two rounds.
Most experts use 3000 ft-pds of muzzle energy as the baseline minimum for grizzly guns. This is the 30-06 level and above. If I could handle the recoil, my first choice would be 45-70 with Garrett Hammerhead 540 grs at 1550 fps. That is serious business at both ends of the gun.
For me, the .444 is my choice for woods guns and we are in grizzly bear country. We went up to Bull River campground with some church friends over the summer.
http://visitmt.com/categories/moreinfo.asp?IDRRecordID=2377&siteid=1
This is right in the middle of the Cabinet Yaak grizzly bear preserve. As expected, we never saw one, but yes, they are there and you have to keep that in mind. The first plan of action is to avoid the critters if possible. If that doesn't work, then making sure you have what you need and can comfortably shoot is where to go. For some folks it is the 45-70 or the .375 H&H magnum. That is a bit more than I want to shoot anytime soon.
Bear pepper spray is an option for those that cannot handle high powered rifles. I would advise them to have someone near that can handle high powered rifles as well. There is safety in numbers when it comes to grizzly bears.
For me, the .444 is my choice for woods guns and we are in grizzly bear country. We went up to Bull River campground with some church friends over the summer.
http://visitmt.com/categories/moreinfo.asp?IDRRecordID=2377&siteid=1
This is right in the middle of the Cabinet Yaak grizzly bear preserve. As expected, we never saw one, but yes, they are there and you have to keep that in mind. The first plan of action is to avoid the critters if possible. If that doesn't work, then making sure you have what you need and can comfortably shoot is where to go. For some folks it is the 45-70 or the .375 H&H magnum. That is a bit more than I want to shoot anytime soon.
Bear pepper spray is an option for those that cannot handle high powered rifles. I would advise them to have someone near that can handle high powered rifles as well. There is safety in numbers when it comes to grizzly bears.
Colorado Redneck
New member
35 whelen?
Remington sold a 7600 slide action with 22" barrel in 35 Whelen a while back.
Nosler Ammunition
Ballistics Information:
•Muzzle Velocity: 2725 fps
•Muzzle Energy: 3917 ft. lbs.
•Caliber: 35 Whelen
•Bullet Weight: 225 Grains
•Bullet Style: Partition Spitzer
Fairly fast action, relatively light and easy to carry, good for moose and elk to 250 yards, and pretty good smack down, IMHO.
Never shot a bear, never shot a 35 whelen. But that sounds fairly good to me. These guns come with iron sights.
Remington sold a 7600 slide action with 22" barrel in 35 Whelen a while back.
Nosler Ammunition
Ballistics Information:
•Muzzle Velocity: 2725 fps
•Muzzle Energy: 3917 ft. lbs.
•Caliber: 35 Whelen
•Bullet Weight: 225 Grains
•Bullet Style: Partition Spitzer
Fairly fast action, relatively light and easy to carry, good for moose and elk to 250 yards, and pretty good smack down, IMHO.
Never shot a bear, never shot a 35 whelen. But that sounds fairly good to me. These guns come with iron sights.
Bear Stopper
If you're talking something to hopefully stop a charging grizzly and not just make him mad. A good old slug barrel 12 ga mag with the best slug loads money can buy and maybe some 00 buck loads to. If a bear charges you have a split second before you become a newspaper headline. A pistol is better then a rock but I would hate to depend on a pistol stopping one at say 10 yrds. Remember he is going to be close or else your just hunting him. In rifles I would think you would start with a 338 mag and go up a rocket launcher. Just read what the guides carry as back up guns. Most of them have big holes in the end of the barrel.
If you're talking something to hopefully stop a charging grizzly and not just make him mad. A good old slug barrel 12 ga mag with the best slug loads money can buy and maybe some 00 buck loads to. If a bear charges you have a split second before you become a newspaper headline. A pistol is better then a rock but I would hate to depend on a pistol stopping one at say 10 yrds. Remember he is going to be close or else your just hunting him. In rifles I would think you would start with a 338 mag and go up a rocket launcher. Just read what the guides carry as back up guns. Most of them have big holes in the end of the barrel.
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We just had a Northern Idaho guy pay a 1,000 dollar fine for a self defense shooting.
Unless I am mistaken, it is still illegal to shoot Grizzlys in the lower 48. Have fun in court guys. (this is going to cost you BIG $$$$$$$$$, I would estimate at least 5 grand for attorney's fees). And by the way if you can convince a jury that the 338 mag was just for hunting rabbits, I'll buy that swamp land in FL from you. (LOL)
Jim
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I would rather have fun in court than be six feet under. If a bear places me or my family in danger, I will do what I need to protect them, end of story. My first choice will to avoid any and all encounters, if the bear makes that impossible, then it is still LEGAL to defend yourself in a life and death situation. Not every bear shooting ends in charges, in fact, most self defense cases go no further at all.
If a bear places me or my family in danger
The bear didn't place you in danger, you did by invading it's home.
then it is still LEGAL to defend yourself in a life and death situation.
No it is illegal, that is the point, stop trying to blame the bear for your actions.
Grow up
Jim
Jim243
Senior Member
Join Date: January 5, 2009
Posts: 2,881
Quote:
If a bear places me or my family in danger
The bear didn't place you in danger, you did by invading it's home.
Quote:
then it is still LEGAL to defend yourself in a life and death situation.
No it is illegal, that is the point, stop trying to blame the bear for your actions.
Grow up
Jim
__________________
Si vis pacem, para bellum
Dear Jim, "Grow up?" Sorry, are you advocating that man should NEVER venture into the woods? Great comment Jim, but I suspect you will be in the minority on that sort of reasoning. I would simply try my best to inform you that even in the Endangered Species Act, self defense against grizzly bears is a settled portion of law. The issue becomes one of proving it was self defense, but self defense against bears and people is LEGAL. If you have some source that states otherwise, have at it my friend.
Last time I checked, God gave man dominion over all of the earth, however I suspect that you will take issue with that as well.
In any case, have a great day, you gave me a great laugh reading your comments, but I will continue to enjoy God's creation which means I will go to the woods and be prepared for all of His creatures and I will as always stay in compliance with all of the laws of the land as well. LOL, just an unreal comment my friend. Yeah, grow up is right. LOL
I consulted my legal advisor who directed me to the Wikipedia. LOL. Yes, there is no penalty for a self defense grizzly killing under the ESA. That means it is not illegal to defend yourself, which must mean it is legal to do so as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endangered_Species_Act
Penalties
There are different degrees of violation with the law. The most punishable offenses are trafficking,[66] and any act of knowingly "taking" (which includes harming, wounding, or killing) an endangered species.
The penalties for these violations can be a maximum fine of up to $50,000 or imprisonment for one year, or both, and civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, may be assessed. Lists of violations and exact fines are available through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration web-site.[67]
One provision of this law is that no penalty may be imposed if, by a preponderance of the evidence that the act was in self defense. The law also eliminates criminal penalties for accidentally killing listed species during farming and ranching activities.[68]
In addition to fines or imprisonment, a license, permit, or other agreement issued by a Federal Agency that authorized an individual to import or export fish, wildlife, or plants may be revoked, suspended or modified. Any federal hunting or fishing permits that were issued to a person who violates the ESA can be canceled or suspended for up to a year.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endangered_Species_Act
God gave man dominion over all of the earth, however I suspect that you will take issue with that as well.
No, I take no issue with that statement, but man made laws to restrict that dominion. You are lucky to live in Alaska the DRN's in the lower 48 as well as the Feds have different opinions on that. I would love to live up there, but I could not take the cold as well as the long winter nights.
Just so we understand each other, any person that does not take resonsibility for their own actions and exhibits common sense in doing so is not only putting their life in danger but anyone else's that is with them.
I have had Grizzlys come through my camps in Glacer National while backpacking and one incident where I walked within 20 feet of a 450 lbs brown while it was feeding at a garbage dump in norther MI. with a camera in my hand, untill I realized just how close I was, all I did was very slowly walk backwards untill it resumed eating. (not one of my best moments)
You know as well as I these are not aggressive animals unless they are injured or spooked by coming up on them unexpected. If they feel threatened they will attack, otherwise they could care less about you or me. (unless you have some food they want)
But the amount of testerone exhibited by this post is just crazy, let's grab the biggest canon we can and go out and blast an animal that ment us no harm while we are invading it's home with out care as to what's going on around us. I imagine you do a bit of hunting and spend some time in the woods, so you know what I am talking about.
As the saying goes, stuff happens and you need to protect yourself. Just hope I am not on a jury where some one kills an animal that was trying to protect it's home and you had a 45-70 in your hands while hunting rabbit.
God bless you
Jim
what did Lewis and Clark carry? I remember they killed a grizzly at a watering hole in self defense, but it took three shots I think. They were using muzzle loaders. Talk about making your shot count! But evidently they did have enough power! I am thinking 870 or Mossberg short gun with the best damn slugs I could get my hands on.
Report
Today, 08:22 PM #30
Doc TH
Senior Member
Join Date: December 15, 2005
Posts: 310
bears
The US Forest Service published a study called
Safety in bear country: protective measures and bullet performance at short range
You can find a pdf version on the web. The report is detailed and very informative.
I just read the report. There have certainly been some improvements in high quality bullets but the report is still very interesting. Surprising how well the 30-06 did in comparison to magnum 30 caliber loads. (if you don't want to read the report yourself, the 06 did better because at 15 yards the bullets didn't fragment near as bad as magnum .30 caliber rifles)
For those of you that advocated buck shot, better read, the buckshot didn't penetrate near far enough.
After having a close encounter on a Glacier NP trail last August I have purchased a S&W 629 4" I've fired 240 grain rounds through it and found it much easier to handle than I had anticipated. Next time I visit big bear country I'll have some 300 grain sledgehammer rounds for it. (I know it will be a bit more to handle with those loads) I can't imagine walking in a N.P. with a long gun. When in Glacier I only saw 2 other hikers that were open carrying handguns even though it is legal.
I hope to never have to kill one of those magnificent animals but I don't want to end up a steaming pile of bear poop either.
Today, 08:22 PM #30
Doc TH
Senior Member
Join Date: December 15, 2005
Posts: 310
bears
The US Forest Service published a study called
Safety in bear country: protective measures and bullet performance at short range
You can find a pdf version on the web. The report is detailed and very informative.
I just read the report. There have certainly been some improvements in high quality bullets but the report is still very interesting. Surprising how well the 30-06 did in comparison to magnum 30 caliber loads. (if you don't want to read the report yourself, the 06 did better because at 15 yards the bullets didn't fragment near as bad as magnum .30 caliber rifles)
For those of you that advocated buck shot, better read, the buckshot didn't penetrate near far enough.
After having a close encounter on a Glacier NP trail last August I have purchased a S&W 629 4" I've fired 240 grain rounds through it and found it much easier to handle than I had anticipated. Next time I visit big bear country I'll have some 300 grain sledgehammer rounds for it. (I know it will be a bit more to handle with those loads) I can't imagine walking in a N.P. with a long gun. When in Glacier I only saw 2 other hikers that were open carrying handguns even though it is legal.
I hope to never have to kill one of those magnificent animals but I don't want to end up a steaming pile of bear poop either.
sc928porsche
New member
For many years now while around camp and making those just outside of camp "trips" for mother nature or while fishing, I carry my Super Blackhawk loaded with 300gr noslers packed with W296. As for hunting them, I used to use a 300WM, but I upgraded a few years ago to a 378 WBY. I only had to use the pistol once and it did a good job.
Pepper spray for charging bears????
If the wind is blowing strong and into your face will you or the bear get most of the spray?
If the wind is blowing strong and from the side--can you allow for wind drift?
If the bear is coming fast and gets close enough for you to hit it with the spray--will it still get to you?
If you're in bear country in thick brush where quick action may be needed--are you better off with a gun in hand (where it should be in this situation) or with bear spray on your belt?
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If the wind is blowing strong and into your face will you or the bear get most of the spray?
If the wind is blowing strong and from the side--can you allow for wind drift?
If the bear is coming fast and gets close enough for you to hit it with the spray--will it still get to you?
If you're in bear country in thick brush where quick action may be needed--are you better off with a gun in hand (where it should be in this situation) or with bear spray on your belt?
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Dear Jim243,
Actually, I am no longer in Alaska anymore, but we spend more than 6 months a year up in northern Idaho where you are not allowed to hunt grizzly. I interpreted this as a hunting thread myself, perhaps mistakenly, but that is the way I understood the OP.
On the other hand, many folks hunt and fish in grizzly land in the lower 48 and it appears that many of the attacks are in the lower 48. It just make sense to have something that will do what you need in case an encounter goes badly.
I am certainly not looking for an encounter here in Idaho, but I believe I would be foolish to go into the campgrounds and other places we go with our friends from church without being prepared for the rogue bear barging through the camp. We don't use much of the land, just a bit here and there by the rivers, there is still a lot more where they have the land all to themselves. I very much believe in the stewardship of man for the earth that God gave to man to have dominion over. Raping the earth for pure greed is not part of that.
On the other hand, I would differ with your opinion about how aggressive these animals are. They are often very aggressive, just ask the Huffmans who were killed for "no apparent reason" in a remote area of Alaska:
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Necropsy-yields-no-clues-about-why-bear-killed-1177665.php
I advocate to my family to have both pepper spray and an adequate firearm in case you need it. This is not about poaching, hunting or anything else, simple self defense protection as afforded to us under the law. And yes, the laws make it difficult to be away from the roads with a large rifle. In that case, a hunting license and varmint hunting is the answer to give. Most states have an open season on varmints such as coyotes. Yes, it is problematic and you need to take that into account as well.
God bless,
Actually, I am no longer in Alaska anymore, but we spend more than 6 months a year up in northern Idaho where you are not allowed to hunt grizzly. I interpreted this as a hunting thread myself, perhaps mistakenly, but that is the way I understood the OP.
On the other hand, many folks hunt and fish in grizzly land in the lower 48 and it appears that many of the attacks are in the lower 48. It just make sense to have something that will do what you need in case an encounter goes badly.
I am certainly not looking for an encounter here in Idaho, but I believe I would be foolish to go into the campgrounds and other places we go with our friends from church without being prepared for the rogue bear barging through the camp. We don't use much of the land, just a bit here and there by the rivers, there is still a lot more where they have the land all to themselves. I very much believe in the stewardship of man for the earth that God gave to man to have dominion over. Raping the earth for pure greed is not part of that.
On the other hand, I would differ with your opinion about how aggressive these animals are. They are often very aggressive, just ask the Huffmans who were killed for "no apparent reason" in a remote area of Alaska:
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Necropsy-yields-no-clues-about-why-bear-killed-1177665.php
I advocate to my family to have both pepper spray and an adequate firearm in case you need it. This is not about poaching, hunting or anything else, simple self defense protection as afforded to us under the law. And yes, the laws make it difficult to be away from the roads with a large rifle. In that case, a hunting license and varmint hunting is the answer to give. Most states have an open season on varmints such as coyotes. Yes, it is problematic and you need to take that into account as well.
God bless,
Big mean old bears
This last August my wife and I went up to visit both Yellowstone and Glacier Nat. Parks. in Yellowstone if we were more than 20 yards from the car I had bear spray with me. Most people walking all but the most populated trails had spray. We saw 3 grizzly bears, the closest one was about 150 yards, lots of people nearby. I saw a very large one when I was alone but I was watching him through my spotting scope from over 1,000 yards.
Glacier N.P. is different, much less crowded. we stayed in the "Many Glaciers" area on the east side. The day we got there we heard a report of a lone male hiker that was mauled by a grizzly, I believe the day before. Because we were now in Montana it is legal to loaded open carry inside the park. I took my Ruger SP101 loaded with 180 grain SJSP's. By the way, of the maybe 100 other hikers that I met/passed on the trails I saw only 2 other hikers that were carrying guns, one had a .44 mag, the other was a med size semi auto.
I heard of other hikers seeing a sow with 3 cubs on the trail one day though I didn't see her. The next day my wife and I were hiking. The wind was blowing maybe 15 mph. in our faces. We were making a lot of noise, talking loudly or singing. We came around a bend in the trail and a Grizzly was just off of the trail, about 15 yards away. He turned and ran before I had a chance to even mess myself.
You know how fast your mind can process multiple thoughts when the adrenilan kicks in? Thought #1, If he had come at me as fast as he ran off I'd have been still trying to get my gun out of my holster while he was on me. Thought #2, I need a bigger gun. Seeing him that close, he was BIG, maybe 600 lbs, I know they can get a lot bigger but this guy was 3-1/2 times bigger than me. ( I have a .44 mag now) Thought #3, Because of the wind the bear spray would have been almost useless. I imagine most of the spray coming back on me. I'm choking and I can't see and the bear likes his lunch with a bit of spice.
A good holster that you can draw from quickly is important. There was no time to fumble with the snap on my cheap Uncle Mikes holster. Since I returned home I've bought good Galco holsters for most any pistol that I might carry, including my .44 mag. The difference in draw time is significant.
I'm not sure what the gun laws are in Wyoming/Yellowstone. I think a permit is required. I saw many people with some sort of carry bag on their belt, near their right hand. I think it's kind of a "Don't ask/Don't tell kind of thing but regardless if the gun is in any kind of bag it's going to take longer to get to. Still better to have to fumble with a bag than not have a gun at all.
By the way, about 60 seconds after the encounter with the bear I mentioned that I'd like to buy a .44 mag, My lovely wife gave me her blessing on the purchase. Timing is everything!
This last August my wife and I went up to visit both Yellowstone and Glacier Nat. Parks. in Yellowstone if we were more than 20 yards from the car I had bear spray with me. Most people walking all but the most populated trails had spray. We saw 3 grizzly bears, the closest one was about 150 yards, lots of people nearby. I saw a very large one when I was alone but I was watching him through my spotting scope from over 1,000 yards.
Glacier N.P. is different, much less crowded. we stayed in the "Many Glaciers" area on the east side. The day we got there we heard a report of a lone male hiker that was mauled by a grizzly, I believe the day before. Because we were now in Montana it is legal to loaded open carry inside the park. I took my Ruger SP101 loaded with 180 grain SJSP's. By the way, of the maybe 100 other hikers that I met/passed on the trails I saw only 2 other hikers that were carrying guns, one had a .44 mag, the other was a med size semi auto.
I heard of other hikers seeing a sow with 3 cubs on the trail one day though I didn't see her. The next day my wife and I were hiking. The wind was blowing maybe 15 mph. in our faces. We were making a lot of noise, talking loudly or singing. We came around a bend in the trail and a Grizzly was just off of the trail, about 15 yards away. He turned and ran before I had a chance to even mess myself.
You know how fast your mind can process multiple thoughts when the adrenilan kicks in? Thought #1, If he had come at me as fast as he ran off I'd have been still trying to get my gun out of my holster while he was on me. Thought #2, I need a bigger gun. Seeing him that close, he was BIG, maybe 600 lbs, I know they can get a lot bigger but this guy was 3-1/2 times bigger than me. ( I have a .44 mag now) Thought #3, Because of the wind the bear spray would have been almost useless. I imagine most of the spray coming back on me. I'm choking and I can't see and the bear likes his lunch with a bit of spice.
A good holster that you can draw from quickly is important. There was no time to fumble with the snap on my cheap Uncle Mikes holster. Since I returned home I've bought good Galco holsters for most any pistol that I might carry, including my .44 mag. The difference in draw time is significant.
I'm not sure what the gun laws are in Wyoming/Yellowstone. I think a permit is required. I saw many people with some sort of carry bag on their belt, near their right hand. I think it's kind of a "Don't ask/Don't tell kind of thing but regardless if the gun is in any kind of bag it's going to take longer to get to. Still better to have to fumble with a bag than not have a gun at all.
By the way, about 60 seconds after the encounter with the bear I mentioned that I'd like to buy a .44 mag, My lovely wife gave me her blessing on the purchase. Timing is everything!
Grizzly Bear defense weapon
Back in 1957 I was assigned to the 592nd USAF Band at Eielson AFB 26 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska. Dunno what I did wrong, but apparently the Band Commander (at Scott AFB in southern Il) was ticked off at me)....
During my initial visit to the Fleshpots of Fairbanks I went into a local bank (corner of second and Noble sts in downtown Fairbanks.) Between the inner and outer lobby of that bank there stood a display case containing an Alaskan Brown Bear; according to the info on the display case the bear stood, on its' hind legs, a rather startling eleven feet three inches high. Again, according to the data on the engraved metal plaque inside the case, the bear was brought down by a 30-'06. It took 6 perfectly placed bullets weighing 180 gr apiece to accomplish the kill. Any one of the shots would have been fatal on a smaller animal.
I've never forgotten that bear. I was dissuaded from doing any serious woods-wandering by that bear's existence.
They don't make personal howitzers yet.....so I'm not about to go back there to see if such bears are still wandering in those woods.....
Just sayin'
Zip
Back in 1957 I was assigned to the 592nd USAF Band at Eielson AFB 26 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska. Dunno what I did wrong, but apparently the Band Commander (at Scott AFB in southern Il) was ticked off at me)....
During my initial visit to the Fleshpots of Fairbanks I went into a local bank (corner of second and Noble sts in downtown Fairbanks.) Between the inner and outer lobby of that bank there stood a display case containing an Alaskan Brown Bear; according to the info on the display case the bear stood, on its' hind legs, a rather startling eleven feet three inches high. Again, according to the data on the engraved metal plaque inside the case, the bear was brought down by a 30-'06. It took 6 perfectly placed bullets weighing 180 gr apiece to accomplish the kill. Any one of the shots would have been fatal on a smaller animal.
I've never forgotten that bear. I was dissuaded from doing any serious woods-wandering by that bear's existence.
They don't make personal howitzers yet.....so I'm not about to go back there to see if such bears are still wandering in those woods.....
Just sayin'
Zip
The two people I know of who have killed many grizzlies and brown bears are:
Ralph Edwards, who live in the wilds of British Columbia several miles inland from Bella Coola. He used a Remington model 8 semi-auto chambered for the 35 Remington cartridge. He said he shot 50 and then stopped counting.
George Folta hunted bears for 40 years and killed over 200. He too used a Remington model 8 semi-auto chambered for the 35 Remington cartridge. Later on he began using an M-1 Garand, 30-06. He hunted alone most of the time and this made him feel more in need of fast repeat shots than if he'd had other hunters along. This is not my opinion but a fact stated in the book by his son, the author.
I think fast repeat shots was foremost in both of these men's minds when it came to hunting bears. Of course at the time the 35 Remington was seen as a pretty powerful cartridge, unlike today when it's near the bottom for hunting large game.
So here we have two of the greatest bear hunters and they both prefered semi-auto rifles. The model 8 and revised model 81 Remingtons are both John Browning inventions and considered very reliable--even today. Recoil operated rather than gas operated. Much like the Browning A5 semi-auto shotgun, another John Browning invention.
If you would like to read about these two hunters you can find their books at www.amazon.com or other internet sources.
Ralph Edwards: 'Crusoe Of Lonesome Lake' and 'Ralph Edwards Of Lonesome Lake.'
George Folta: 'Of Bench and Bears: Alaska's Bear Hunting Judge.' The author of this book is George's son, Richard Folta.
I'm pretty sure if they were living and hunting now they would definitely prefer a more powerful cartridge than the 35 Remington. Folta did switch to the more powerful 30-06. Good chance they would both stick with the semi-auto. I believe the Remington models 8 and 81 were built more ruggedly than the current Remington centerfire semi-autos so I personally would favor today's Browning BAR when hunting dangerous animals.
For those of you who also enjoy reading about a pioneer type of life in the wilderness, the Ralph Edwards books cannot be beat!
Here's a link to a video about Edwards on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOuRJCeiaIw
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Ralph Edwards, who live in the wilds of British Columbia several miles inland from Bella Coola. He used a Remington model 8 semi-auto chambered for the 35 Remington cartridge. He said he shot 50 and then stopped counting.
George Folta hunted bears for 40 years and killed over 200. He too used a Remington model 8 semi-auto chambered for the 35 Remington cartridge. Later on he began using an M-1 Garand, 30-06. He hunted alone most of the time and this made him feel more in need of fast repeat shots than if he'd had other hunters along. This is not my opinion but a fact stated in the book by his son, the author.
I think fast repeat shots was foremost in both of these men's minds when it came to hunting bears. Of course at the time the 35 Remington was seen as a pretty powerful cartridge, unlike today when it's near the bottom for hunting large game.
So here we have two of the greatest bear hunters and they both prefered semi-auto rifles. The model 8 and revised model 81 Remingtons are both John Browning inventions and considered very reliable--even today. Recoil operated rather than gas operated. Much like the Browning A5 semi-auto shotgun, another John Browning invention.
If you would like to read about these two hunters you can find their books at www.amazon.com or other internet sources.
Ralph Edwards: 'Crusoe Of Lonesome Lake' and 'Ralph Edwards Of Lonesome Lake.'
George Folta: 'Of Bench and Bears: Alaska's Bear Hunting Judge.' The author of this book is George's son, Richard Folta.
I'm pretty sure if they were living and hunting now they would definitely prefer a more powerful cartridge than the 35 Remington. Folta did switch to the more powerful 30-06. Good chance they would both stick with the semi-auto. I believe the Remington models 8 and 81 were built more ruggedly than the current Remington centerfire semi-autos so I personally would favor today's Browning BAR when hunting dangerous animals.
For those of you who also enjoy reading about a pioneer type of life in the wilderness, the Ralph Edwards books cannot be beat!
Here's a link to a video about Edwards on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOuRJCeiaIw
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