BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

Grizz · Joined: 07 Jan 2003 Posts: 2 Location: Thomas Williams

I drew a Spring Brown Bear Tag inKodiak Unit DB134. Has anyone hunted there before? What was your experience like. I own a .416 Remington anyone have a load desigend that would be good for Brown Bear?

bitmasher · Joined: 27 Feb 2002 Posts: 2619 Location: Colorado

Congrats on getting the tag! The competition has to be stiff for that draw.

When I was in elementary school our principal had a kodiak brown bear rug, to this day I am still amazed at how big those bears get. Good luck, unfortunately I can't recommend a load since I have never hunted brown bear.

AzbillT1 · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 3 Location: Anchorage Alaska

Although I have never hunted brown bear, I would suggest getting in contact with some hunting guides and asking them their thoughts on what type of load you should use. I can say one thing about what type of to use and that is one with a good premium bullet loaded being that this could be a once and lifetime chance. When it comes to any hunt no expense should be spared to help yourself and to kill the animal you are hunting in the most humanely way as possible. Good luck with your hunt and I hope you get the trophy you are after.

JACK2NDBAS · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 2

A .375 H & H, TOOK 3 SHOTS TO STOP A HUGE BROWN IN SITKA, ALASKA.

mixerman55 · Joined: 01 Mar 2003 Posts: 8

not sure but better be a fair size load would not want to piss him off

rustywins · Joined: 17 May 2003 Posts: 3

Congratulations on your tag draw! Wish I was going with you! I would recommend a load with at least 250-275 grains bullets, the bigger the better! A good quality bullet, such as a Nosler partition or trophy bonded slug, this will offer massive penetration and colossal damage!!

saskie · Posted: Tue May 20, 2003 12:55 pm Post subject:

Never hunted brown bear either, but found this article on another site:

http://www.huntingmag.com/big_game/bear_busting/

mountain man · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 2

federal loads a 400 gr trophy bonded bearclaw in 416

bearhuntr · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Posts: 2 Location: Alaska

I would pick any premium bullet that shoots the best in your rifle. When I'm hunting brown bear (usually just in the spring) I hunt with 225-grain or 250-grain Partitions out of my 338 Win. Mag. I'll be using Accubonds this year, though.

Guest · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2003 7:44 pm Post subject:

Grizz.....I too have 416 Remington. I have used Remington Safari Grade ammo in the 350 grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claw bullets on moose, eland, blue wildebeast and bears etc. They do stay together well on heavy bone.

I also have handloaded the Swift A Frame Bullets, which I think is a better bullet all the way around (tuffer least wise) on big animals. The 350 grain is all you will need and the velocity will be around the 2650fps mark, a good flat shooting bullet out to 200 yards.

[ This Message was edited by: Quick-Sand on 2003-07-06 10:01 ]

gpcinc · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Posts: 34

would a 7mm rem mag or a 300 win mag be too small for the brown bear?

Sniperwolf.270# · Joined: 03 Dec 2003 Posts: 16

in my opinion a 7mm or .300 are perfect bear guns in the hands of a seasoned hunter. Now a 7mm is good for shots not farther than 150 yards. Plus the 7mm may not kick a bears butt with authority at ranges under 50 yards. plus another challenge would be finding a relaxed un alert bear so he is nice and lose and the fairly small bullets can do its job. if you hunt with factory bullets use federal high energy. If you handload try a heavy charge and ahead of that a 195gr barnes original bullet. It should generate .270's velocity and hit with good penetration

[ This Message was edited by: Sniperwolf.270# on 2003-12-04 12:53 ]

[ This Message was edited by: Sniperwolf.270# on 2003-12-04 13:08 ]

gsuper · Joined: 16 Dec 2003 Posts: 1 Location: Michigan

I would go at least 375H&H and become well versed with your equipment. I load many different rifle loads and although the fast moving lighter loads are good, you want the weight and energy of the larger calibers.

Bear · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 12 Location: Pennsylvania

I would suggest a 400 grain Nozler partition. Start with an average amount of whatever powder you prefer and vary the powder charge by a grain up and down until you find the load that groups the best. Good luck.

benjammin · Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2004 4:24 pm Post subject:

Unless you are hunting from a boat, I would not recommend anything less than a 338 win mag. I would only load 300 grain bullets designed for deep penetration and controlled expansion, and try like hell to get them up to at least 2,500 fps. That is pretty close to 375 H&H load.

BTW, 375 H&H loaded with 300 grain bullets at @2,500-2,600 fps is the most recommended combo for brown bear hunting.

In 416, go with the 400 grainers. You won't be taking a long shot, so you want as much as you can get out of that round. You will definitely feel it, but so will the bear!