Sorry guys - forgot to get back here and answer some questions:
Yes, I drove to Fairbanks, flew out with Wright's Air Service.
Outfitter was Alaska Skookum Guides, Lyle Becker. Nothing but good to say about Lyle, or the terrific bear guide he also hired for this trip; Joey Klutsch. Both of 'em know their stuff!
Hit bone? Yes. First hit on the grizzly was at about 40 yards when he turned and offered me his right leg/shoulder. I took it. The 200 gr Partition smashed that bone, and entered the chest/lungs. Bear instantly dropped and rolled. He was dying then, BUT... There were thick willows nearby and he was up in a flash, heading for them. The guide and I both fired a couple more times, hitting and missing. He was back down in seconds.
I had gone through the four rounds in my magazine, and finished the bear while he was dying, with two shots at about 15 yards, from my guide's .338 Win mag. Those were 225 gr Barnes TTSX bullets, in Barnes factory ammo.
I am completely satisfied with the performance of the long 200 gr Partition, and the .30-06 rifle. My .375 would have been even better, but I chose the lighter rifle, that I carry more easily and shoot better at 300 yards.
There is room for only one rifle on a hunt like this and more things must be considered, rather than just raw power. Ahead of time, ability to make good hits at 300 yards was stressed, and the importance of having a lighter rifle, easily carried in rough country, was also stressed. I am very familiar with this 30-06 700 CDL, as most of my hunting has been with it, and a twin 700 CDL in .25-06 Rem.
Interestingly shots over 300 yards, on game that hadn't been wounded, were discouraged. Actually I'm fine with that re grizzly. I really don't want a wounded grizzly at 500 or 600 yards... Not my idea of a good thing. And, having hunted a fair bit, I know even the best marksmen can miss or make a bad hit. I sure have!
I think that covers it, but if you've got other questions, let me know. It was a wonderful hunt in every aspect!
Regards, Guy
