Kodiak brown bear rifle

I might be able to help. I live in one of the most densely populated bear areas here in the Kodiak archaeologic. I see Kodiaks every single day from June to the last of November. I'm not sure how many bear hunts, either my own or someone elses, I've been on but two things come to mind. Use the biggest gun you can ACCURATELY handle. Hit them hard, then hit'em again.
A gal from Los-Anchorage contacted me for help this spring on her bear hunt in my area. I ended up showing her several bears, one of which she made a stellar shot on. She shot it with 180s out of a 300WSM. Not a caliber I would choose but she said it was the most she could handle accurately. That was the perfect caliber for her.
I wouldn't concentrate too much on getting a longrange shot. This is one animal I think I'd try to get close to.
On a side note, her husband carried a Ruger Guide rifle in 375. I didn't get to shoot it but I got to fondle it a bit. I was quite impressed with it as a big bear gun.

Good luck this fall! Chuck J.

P.S. If you are hunting with the Shoemakers ask for Mike F as your guide. He works with me between bear and moose seasons. He's also my longrange shooting partner. He understands bears AND longrange shooting.

I was wondering if you could tell us what happened with the bear that the lady shot with her 300WSM? Did the bear drop, did it run far, how was her shot placement? Also how many Kodiaks have you seen taking with a 30-06 and 300 Win Mag? Thanks

Interesting read by Chuck Hawks: http://www.chuckhawks.com/grizzly_cartridges.htm

In Part "A 180 grain bullet from a .30-06 in a vital spot will drop the biggest Kodiak brown bear in Alaska, while a bullet from a .458 Magnum in the guts is an invitation to disaster. Every hunter owes it to himself, the game animal and innocent bystanders to use a rifle in a caliber that he can consistently shoot accurately."
 
Went to the Alaskan Peninsula 4 years ago. Took a great 10' Bear @ 330 yards. I know, it was a long shot for a BIG Bear but felt comfortable with my .340 Weatherby, 250 gr Barnes off sticks. Solid hit to the shoulders. Recovered the bullet on the off shoulder just under the hide. Retained 237 grs. It was the last day and across a steep canyon. Hunt of a life time. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Here is a photo to get you in the mood! Griz
 

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I was wondering if you could tell us what happened with the bear that the lady shot with her 300WSM? Did the bear drop, did it run far, how was her shot placement? Also how many Kodiaks have you seen taking with a 30-06 and 300 Win Mag? Thanks

Interesting read by Chuck Hawks: Grizzly, Brown and Polar Bear Cartridges

In Part "A 180 grain bullet from a .30-06 in a vital spot will drop the biggest Kodiak brown bear in Alaska, while a bullet from a .458 Magnum in the guts is an invitation to disaster. Every hunter owes it to himself, the game animal and innocent bystanders to use a rifle in a caliber that he can consistently shoot accurately."

It actually dropped in it's tracks. She put one behind the shoulder and it quartered into the off shoulder. It struggled to get up but couldn't. Her husband put an insurance shot into it but it probably wasn't needed.
I haven't seen any shot with a 30-06. Two with 300WM, one of them shot once and the other twice. Both went about 50 yards. I shot one of mine with a 300 Weatherby, it went <40 yards. The rest have all been with some version of .375 Mags. On average, with the exception on the lady's 300WSM, the .375s seemed to be better.
 
It actually dropped in it's tracks. She put one behind the shoulder and it quartered into the off shoulder. It struggled to get up but couldn't. Her husband put an insurance shot into it but it probably wasn't needed.
I haven't seen any shot with a 30-06. Two with 300WM, one of them shot once and the other twice. Both went about 50 yards. I shot one of mine with a 300 Weatherby, it went <40 yards. The rest have all been with some version of .375 Mags. On average, with the exception on the lady's 300WSM, the .375s seemed to be better.

Thanks for letting me know, confirms what I have always believed in. Shot Placement!

Was watching a video the other day where a hunter took down an Elephant with a bow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo93h2KBKMw

Poor shot place on an elephant, requires heavy back up example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_LONVLgUYI
 
RH300UM,

I have killed many bears, now I am going to Africa to kill other animals with my bow.

I want to share this song with you, not only because I like you're attitude, but it also reminds me of hunting bears. I hope you like the tune! Play it nice and loud :eek:)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUcPcGulXCA

Whatever gun you choose, come back safe and share the pictures.

KB
 
.......................RH300UM, I want to share this song with you, not only because I like you're attitude, but it also reminds me of hunting bears. I hope you like the tune! Play it nice and loud :eek:)

No bears were harmed in the making of this video.
 
.......................RH300UM, I want to share this song with you, not only because I like you're attitude, but it also reminds me of hunting bears. I hope you like the tune! Play it nice and loud :eek:)

No bears were harmed in the making of this video.

Guess you never hunted a bear unguided and probably prefer Boy George songs. Nothing wrong with that HARPERC, carry on. :cool:
 
Here I thought we were discussing music? Uncertain how bear pictures would alter the content of the video.

Have a good trip!

My apologies as well RH300UM. I thought we were talking about killing bears and having fun in the process.

Happy hunting whatever caliber you choose :)
 
RH300UM,

I have killed many bears, now I am going to Africa to kill other animals with my bow.

I want to share this song with you, not only because I like you're attitude, but it also reminds me of hunting bears. I hope you like the tune! Play it nice and loud :eek:)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUcPcGulXCA

Whatever gun you choose, come back safe and share the pictures.

KB

WOW!
More of a pink flyod fan
Thanks for the kind words
Have fun. Be safe. And keep smiling.
 

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