What are your thoughts on a .243 for bear?

[sportsman500efi7]

I'm curious what peoples thoughts are on a .243 for bear hunting?

[charliepete]

People use them. Not the best idea in my book. Anyone who has 243 has a 12 gauge laying around and that's a better tool for bears over bait

[hookset]

the bigger the hole you put in the animal the better. you will not have a blood trail(in most cases)with a 243/270. Bear fat has a way of sealing any hole you can put in a bear. A 12 gauge with a slug might be the best bear gun around.

[Outdoor Authority]

I see where your coming from I dont recommed anyone useing a 243 for bear at all. However, if your going to do it, get a premium bullet and the largest grain that you can find. Also keep the shot close and stay away from any bone and only take a shot where you will have two holes in the bear. Best bet is to just not do it and use something else. Last thing anyone wants to do is be chaseing a wounded bear at night.

[sportsman500efi7]

Thanks for the input guys. My dad has taken one with the .308, 30.06 and was thinking of taking one with something different.

[Outdoor Authority]

I would try a muzzel loader or shot gun. If thats not what your looking for I wouldnt drop below a 260 for rifle caliber. Good luck and best of luck to you hunting.

[troutkingmaster]

Quote:

However, if your going to do it, get a premium bullet and the largest grain that you can find

+1, Against my recommendation, my girlfriend chose to bear hunt with her .243. When she decided to do that, we sighted the gun in with Hornady 100 grain Interbonds. Shot her bear at 17 yards, DRT at the bait.

[Boar]

Plus one for the hornady interbond, take the 06 an put in a 180 hornady interbond an make it it eat dirt. Smoke pole is awsome giddyness in my book, mkes nice big hole. good luck.