Under gunned!

[Thebear_78]

I was out rabbit and predator hunting today. Me and a buddy rode our 4 wheelers back about 15 miles on a popular Matsu valley trail. One the way riding out I ran across a pretty fair sized grizz. It was standing on a small bluff about 120 yards away when I pulled up.

The only problem was that the only rifles I had with me where my 10/22 and T/C encore 22-250. I didn't even have my 10mm on me that I normally carry everywehre I go. Of all the days to forget it. I shortly debated trying to put a 50gr JSP behind the shoulder in the ribs, maybe it woudl take out the lungs, but decided against it.

I guess I better start throwing my 06 barrel in my pack from now on.


I really didn't expect any bears would be out right now, It was in the low 20s today and has been cold for the last few weeks. I guess it just goes to show that you just never know when a bear might turn up.

I'm kind of bummed because he would hav emake a really nice rug, his hide was perfect, but either way was still cool to see.

 

[JD338]

Plan for the worst and hope for the best.

JD338

 

[Antelope_Sniper]

WOW, talk about an attention getting moment.
I'd of felt better if you at least had some 60gr Partitions with you... :shock:

BTW the little 60 gr Partition in my .223 penetrated 9 milk jugs.....

 

[DrMike]

I've seen videos of natives taking polar bear with a 22-250. However, I wouldn't want to try it. An agitated bear could ruin your whole day, and if the bullet is misplaced, that would be one agitated bear.

 

[FOTIS]

A 44 on the hips beats 2 22's on the atv! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Thebear_78]

I think a heavier constructed bullet like the 60gr PT or 53gr TSX probably would have taken out the lungs, Bear ribs aren't that thick, and after the initial 4" of penetration thru rib/meat it would have been soft tissue. Who knows, if I had my sidearm 10mm with 200gr FMJ @ 1325fps I might have felt a little better looking for him after the hit. Ideally I'll just start bringing my bigger rifle with me. 300 RUM might mess a coyote up a bit but would have been much better on the bear.

 

[Guy Miner]

Yeah, my .25-06 felt pretty light in hand when I found grizzly sow & cub tracks on the trail where I was deer hunting in Wyoming last fall... The .44 revolver was the insurance policy I guess.

Nothing like a bear, especially a grizz, to get your attention...

 

[JD338]

Yeah, my .25-06 felt pretty light in hand when I found grizzly sow & cub tracks on the trail where I was deer hunting in Wyoming last fall... The .44 revolver was the insurance policy I guess.

Nothing like a bear, especially a grizz, to get your attention...

I agree, a side arm in bear country is good policy. I would load my 629 with MAX loads and a heavy hard cast bullet.

JD338

 

[Greg Nolan]

DItto
I don't even hunt grouse in Idaho or Wyoming without the 41 mag. along for the ride.
Greg

 

[str8meat]

well thats murphys law

 

[Polaris]

Bring the 12 ga with #6 in the tube for bunnies and 3" old fashioned foster type slugs in the magazine for anything mean and nasty. The ballistics of a 3" mag slug rival many of the black powder safari rounds from the golden days of the ivory trade. Just fire the first shot in the air, maybe you'll scare him off. If not you've still got 4 or more tries with the big lead chunks.

Also buffered BBs or Heavy shot make a fine varmint dropper.

 

[Thebear_78]

I have been very umimpressed with foster style slugs for big game. THey generally just flatten out and don't penetrate well on heavy bone or musscle. The full bore hard cast with rifle barrel are pretty good, and the breneke hard big game slugs are about the best out there for smooth bore shotgunning bears.

I believe the old addage " shotguns are for birds" I would take almsot any rifle cartridge over a shotgun at any range past 15-20 feet.