Well... So since I don't hunt bear with a rifle I didn't no how to answer a friends question today.

The question was "Is a .308 or 8MM Mauser big enough to hunt Black Bear with?"

So what do you lead thrower think?

Thanks!!!

A .308 has ballistics very close to a 30-06. If you pick a 165-180gr bullet and limit your shots to 250yds or so it will kill a black bear easily. I'm not as sure about the 8mm. IIRC it shoots a heavy bullet at a pretty slow pace. I'd say less than 200yds and you'd be OK.

I have taken 4 bear with my .308 at ranges from 10feet to 200 yds. without a single problem. All one shot kills. I have used 150 gr. core-lokt but they tend to fragment quite a bit. Had better luck with 180gr Nosler partitions holding together and not destroying meat when the frag.

I have used my Remington Model 600 Marksman in .308 to take deer, bear and elk out to 400 yds without a hitch. Knowing my rifle and bullet placement is crucial at longer ranges. Just make sure your friend is comfortable with his rifle and can shoot it well and there is no worries.

Oooops... Fast Finger...

Hey HBP and DeKuma… Thanks so much guys! I will pass it on… I also found several good websites that I sent on to him…

Good Luck this Season!

My .270 has killed bear at 15 paces to 400+ yards with 140 gr.
Shot placement is the key.