Accubond Second Guessing

[BigBlue]

I picked up a box of 7mm 160gr. AccuBond bullets to use on black bear from my 7mm-08. Is this a wise choice or would I have a better effect on the bear using the 140gr. bullets? I know they will probably only be moving along at 2500 FPS, but I figured bigger is better when it comes to a bear.
So what do you all think about the choice? Am I underestimating the velocity?
Thanks,
Don

 

[R Flowers]

I do not think a bear would know the difference between a 140 and a 160 AccuBond from a 7-08.

I guess I would prefer the 140 just due to the velocity increase.

However, I have seen a documented case of the folks at Sierra suggesting that a good customer who was bound and determined to use a 7X57 on Brown Bears to just slow down the 140 Pro Hunter so it would penetrate better. The guy shot a hell of a bg Brown Bear with that load and it worked great.

He had a recoil problem, I think due to a car wreck. Anyway, that 140 Sierra killed that big old bear with one shot.

Just me, but if I were headed for a bear hunt with my 7-08 I would use the 140 grain Partition.

Just my opinion, R F

 

[longwinters]

The 160 should open up well, after all that is what the poly tip is all about. I would think it would also retain a little more of its weight at the velocities you will be shooting. I cannot imagine that the 140's would not also do the job but if both are equally accurate then what you have confidence in is everything.

Long

 

[JD338]

Black Bears are not that tough to kill, if you hit them in the heart/lungs.
I perfer to break them down by tsking out a shoulder.Either bullet will work for you in your 7-08. With the chance of a large bear, I would stay with the 160 gr AB. You will get more than enough penetration and enough bullet weight to take out both shoulders.
2500 fps is more than enough velocity to get expansion with the 160 gr AB.

JD338

 

[Jar Head]

As JD338 said, Black Bears are not that tuff. I think you made a fine choice looking back on the black bears we took here in Oregon w/ a old Savage 99, .300. & hardware store ammo. That is back when we could still hunt w/ hounds.
Good Luck

 

[BigBlue]

Thanks for the replies and the help!
I loaded up a few using Varget and IMR 4064 for my next trip to the range. Hopefully one of those two will give decent accuracy. Bear hunting in E. Pennsylvania is a pretty close range proposition so I don't need MOA accuracy. I doubt they'll be as accurate as 140gr. bullets , but as long as I can hit into 3" circle at 100 yards it will suffice for my needs.
Don