30-30 for black bear

P

PJ3

New member
Is a 30-30 enough to kill a Pa black bear. I am shooting 140 grain soft points and am unsure if it will do the job. I know that I am not going to take shots over 150 yards so range is not an issue. What are your thoughts?
 
I'd go with 170's personally. But .30-30 should be ok I wouldn't push it much beyond 100 yds though. .35 Remington would be better with 200 grainers but yours will do the job.

Just practice and good shot placement can drop em with one shot. But be ready for a followup. I'd have that as part of your practice routine.
 
A friend of mine shot a 300lb black bear out of a tree this season with a 30-30. The bullet went through the base of it's neck and punched through the top of it's skull! Talk about bang flop! This was at a range of 35 feet.

Budman
 
Never heard of 140 gr. .30-30 load before? Hum..., in any case I'd certainly choose a 170 grain load. The Remington Core-Lokt, Winchester SilverTip, Hornady Interlock, or Federal load with Nosler Partition in the 170 grain weight should be the best bets. I'd go with whatever shot the most accurately from your particular rifle from the bench.
 
I took a 236 lb (dressed weight)bear with a 30-30 170 grain Winchester ammo. The bear dropped with the first shot and I put 2 more into her just to make sure I did not have to track a bear as it was getting dark very quickly.
 
Back
Top