Requirements Of A Black Bear Rifle

The best rifles for this game animal are those most suitable for deer hunting. Any reliable bolt-action will handle most black bear hunting situations you'll find yourself in.

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Choosing The Right Cartridge

Cartridges suitable for deer hunting are usually adequate for black bears. Our choices for availability, reliability and ability to do the job are in bold.

CARTRIDGE	BULLET		CARTRIDGE	BULLET
.25/06 Remington	120 gr.		.284 Winchester	150 gr.
.264 Winchester Mag.	140 gr.		.308 Winchester	150 gr., 180 gr.
.270 Winchester	130 gr., 150 gr.		.30/06 Springfield	150 gr., 165 gr.
7 mm Remington Mag.	150 gr.		.348 Winchester	200 gr.
7mm-08 Remington	120 gr.		.358 Winchester	200 gr.
.280 Remington	150 gr.		.444 Marlin	240 gr.

Often killed in timber and at relatively short range, large caliber, medium-powered cartridges may be included. Cartridges in the .257 Roberts, .243 Winchester, 6 mm Remington, and .30/30 Winchester class are a little light under most hunting conditions, but will perform well at close range.

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Optics For Black Bear Hunting

The same applies to black bear hunting as to deer hunting. A good quality, low-powered scope from any recognized scope manufacturer will suffice. Binoculars are a must.

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... on to Chapter 5 - Shot Placement