Handgun hunting bear

[dasbear]

Just curious how many folks hunt bear with single shot handguns. I have been hunting the high country back packing solo in eastern washington for about 20 years useing a 308AI 15" encore because of the light weight and when its on my pack my hands are free for climbing the steep stuff. My go to load is hornady 180gr sp w/ A2520 at 2400fps

 

[Bearman375]

I killed maybe 15 or more with 338 JDJ, 6.5x270 JDJ in contender , 338 and 300 win in Encore central Montana

 

[5250farmer]

You seem to be quite successful, personally i prefer guns with second shot capabilities for hunting animals with canines. That being said the cva scouts shoot amazing

 

[Bearman375]

I was merely responding to the guy from Washington about the single shot pistols. I've taken lots more than that with rifle in Montana, British Columbia and Alberta

 

[wvbearhunter]

308AI?? You have peaked my interest...do tell

 

[memtb]

Revolver "Yes" a single shot, example a Contender, No!

Perhaps, had I got that ?375 JDJ barrel from my uncle when he offered it…..it probably would've happened! memtb

 

[WV Hitman]

I've taken 7 bears last 12 years on a farm where they mow down his corn. I don't like chasing them in the corn if wounded. The farmer sets up a big round bale of hay where I sit. In WV Youth bear season old guys like me can hunt with the youngins. I use my .375/.284 XP-100 and .325 WSM XP-100 with Accubonds for each. Bears rarely move from them. Typical shots 200-220 yards- best 269 yds. (.325). Best bear 350#. Most are 200-250. This one was 220# at 220 yds., .375/.284-DRT

 

[Bearman375]

I love the looks of that gun Doc

 

[WV Hitman]

JD built that & my .325WSM XPs. Both shoot fantastic. With the .375 I've taken hippo, eland, AK moose, Shiras moose, waterbuck, kudu, red lechwe-all DRT!!
Taken over 400 deer with it out 30 375 yds. Used the .325 on a 12' croc and 200+ deer out to 350.
Even used my .375 JDJ Contender on a charging brown bear at 20 yards! Guide had forgot to load his gun- he pulled on an empty chamber. Had serios mental issues!

 

[Bearman375]

I'm not in the market for any more guns, but I'd buy something like that. I'm going to use my 30-06 encore, 44 mag Blackhawk or my 338 JDJ on my Montana moose hunt in a few months. I'll be carrying my bow too. My Alberta hunt for moose is archery only though.

 

[Ricky C]

Hey, I took a chocolate colored black bear that squared out at 6ft 6inch with a 375 JDJ out of my encore. He only went about 20 yards after the shot. Used a 235gr TSX. No pictures of him on this phone. He's a beautiful rug now.
Take Care

 

[Bearman375]

That bullet probably well over 2,000 fps. Killed him great I bet?

 

[Ricky C]

Hey Bearman, he died quickly, so everything worked well. I kind of wished I would've been able to weigh him. It took 2 four wheelers to lift him onto the meat pole. He just lifted the front of one right off the ground.
Take Care