Bigfishonafly
Active Member
Is a 6.5 prc with 147 gr eld enough for black bears? What do you all think?
Is a 6.5 prc with 147 gr eld enough for black bears? What do you all think?
If you're talking about the 147 ELD-M, I'd be looking for a tougher construction bullet for bear. I'd probably go with a monolithic or track down some 160 grain round noses and some load data to match if shots won't be far and you have the twist rate to run it.
Shot placement and bullet construction is key. I like 30 and above,but a 6.5 will work. I would look for a better bullet. Partition, a frame ,grand slam,accubond, etc. Norma makes 156 grain bullets that would probably be my first choice. I like heavy for caliber hunting bullets if your rifle shoots them well. Bc shouldn't be an issue for most shots on bear.
.......But I agree shot placement is more important than power.......
Thanks for the responses. I will be hunting with a 35 whelen. It should have plenty of stopping power. My daughter also will have a tag and I was stressing on what gun she should shoot with enough energy to make a clean kill and not recoil too much. She has a .243 Bar she shoots very well. Maybe we should reconsider and have her hunt with the rifle she has shot the most. I was thinking a 6.5 PRC would be a step up in power over the .243. But I agree shot placement is more important than power.
If she can shoot the 6.5 prc well then I would advise the 6.5mm bullet just for a larger hole. If the bear runs then you'll have to track it. Bears dont bleed worth a crap. The 243 will work just fine though if shot placement is good. The bear wont go far.Thanks for the responses. I will be hunting with a 35 whelen. It should have plenty of stopping power. My daughter also will have a tag and I was stressing on what gun she should shoot with enough energy to make a clean kill and not recoil too much. She has a .243 Bar she shoots very well. Maybe we should reconsider and have her hunt with the rifle she has shot the most. I was thinking a 6.5 PRC would be a step up in power over the .243. But I agree shot placement is more important than power.
If you're talking about the 147 ELD-M, I'd be looking for a tougher construction bullet for bear. I'd probably go with a monolithic or track down some 160 grain round noses and some load data to match if shots won't be far and you have the twist rate to run it.