Dan, you just stirred the sleeping beast. Now the enablers will get to work. I'd never do such a thing myself. You woud, however, benefit from owning a Mopdel 48. Just saying!:whistle:
You've had some good advice. I never shot over bait, but I've used all of these at one time or another on black bear from 35 Whelen, 358 Winchester, and 358 Norma Magnum. Blkram and Gerry have considerable experience with black bear, and I have shot a few myself. There are no bad choices in...
A 140 grain bullet will work, if you do your part in putting the bullet where it belongs and if it is a premium bullet. I prefer more mass when hunting elk, but I wouldn't decline a good shot when toting a 280 loaded with 140 grain pills.
Cartridge : .280 Rem.
Bullet : .284, 150, Berger Class Hunt #28571 G7
Useable Case Capaci: 61.340 grain H2O = 3.983 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.330 inch = 84.58 mm
Barrel Length : 19.0 inch = 482.6 mm
Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders...
Cartridge : 7 mm Rem. Mag.(SAAMI)
Bullet : .284, 150, Berger Class Hunt #28571 G7
Useable Case Capaci: 75.433 grain H2O = 4.898 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.290 inch = 83.57 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following...
The 280 shot consistently slow (much reduced velocities from what was anticipated) until over 400 rounds were sent through the rifle. Velocities increased by over 200 fps after that.