.50 cal.for bear

[Farmrn1973]

Going on a minnesota bear hunt in September. Would like to take my 50 flintlock. How do you guys feel about 50 cal for black bear. Hunting over bait, 10 to 40 yards is the normal shot. What loads do you guys suggest. Only have taken whitetail with a 50 before. I have a 54 percussion as well. Thanks

 

[Eterry]

Being the lowly 30 WCF and 44 rem mag carbine are considered adequate for the BLACK Bear, I don't think a healthy dose of fffg behind a 50 cal prb at short range should be a problem.

As in all types of hunting... it's WHERE you hit them, not what you use, that makes the most difference...

If your not comfortable with the 50 prb, there are plenty of conicals out there that provide more "Whompability".

But I'd be more concerned how small a group I could get at 50 yards, and hitting point of aim, than of 50 vs 54 caliber.

Good luck and post pictures so we can drool and be jealous

 

[SDSmlf]

At the range you are talking about, can’t imagine a roundball won’t be adequate. If you are worried, use something harder than pure lead. Blackbears over bait not that tough. Accurate shot placement is the key.

 

[Walkingeagle]

Have taken quite a few over the years, mostly spot and stalk however the last was over a bait at 12 yards. Never used anything but a .50 cal, and the last was a .50 GPR flint. All bears died right away. All with prb except my first was with 370gr maxi.
A .490 prb with 60-90 gr of fffg (whatever is your most accurate charge) inside of 50yds is likely to result in a passthrough if lung shot.
Walk

 

[Walkingeagle]

As a side note, I was drawn for cow moose, antlered and antlerless mule deer, and will be also chasing a bull elk AND at least one, possibly two fat berry fed fall black bears this year. With luck and the hunting gods on my side I do hope the freezer will be full when the season ends.
My plan is to use my home built .54 cap lock plains rifle with .530 prb, .018 mink oil lubed pillow tick and 90 gr fffg Goex. I have full faith she will get the job done on all these critters inside 100 yards.
Walk

 

[Sinner]

Take the .54, IMO. What is the twist of the barrels?

 

[Poboy]

Why even ask? Dude!!! Just do it. You're fine. ...( as long as you can place your shot). Now, 2 ways to look at that ,too. If you're far enough away to miss or wound.. ...well, the bear isn't going looking for you.

As previously stated, a well placed shot IS key. Caliber doesn't negate poor marksmanship!

 

[No Deer]

Took my bear at about 20 yards with my 20 ga. (.60) round ball with 75 gr. 3f. Bear went about 50 yards and piled up.

 

[Patocazador]

If I were hunting black bear with a .50, I would feel a bit better using a maxiball. However, I don't think it would matter much either way as long as the shot was in the vitals.

I have a .54 that I seldom use and a bear hunt would give me an excuse to use it. Again, I don't think the bear would notice the difference.

I hope you have a successful hunt.

 

[hanshi]

Never hunted nor wanted to hunt black bear. But, A .50 prb will cleanly take anything smaller than moose and grizzly - who knows, maybe even them - if one hits the mark. Use your .50 and its most accurate load. Definitely for grizzly, I'd feel more comfortable using a carriage mounted 6 pounder.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I'd feel more comfortable using a carriage mounted 6 pounder.

..., and a guide that runs slower than I do....

LD

 

[laufer]

.50 will do just fine with regular round ball. Soft lead will make a great wound through it, no need for hard lead.

 

[Patocazador]

Speaking of bears here's one that might give me headaches when the season rolls around.

 

[SDSmlf]

Speaking of bears here's one that might give me headaches when the season rolls around.

View attachment 12757

Looks like a young one.

 

[nessmuk]

Take the .50 if you are more confident with that rifle. I got my black bear with a T/C in .50 cal. in 1985 with 80 gr of 3F and a PRB. No matter which rifle you take shot placement is key.

 

[Big Rviers]

Your .50 will be more then enough gun for bear or for that matter elk and moose. I have used both my .50 and .54 shooting prbs and was hard pressed to tell the difference between them on game. Heart and lung one shot kills every one. Straight shooting and have a good hunt. By the way rendered bear fat makes a great lubricant just don't render it on your wife's kitchen stove.

 

[Patocazador]

Looks like a young one.

Could be but he's the biggest one on my place. The other two are about 2/3 his size. He is definitely a male. Another batch of pics shows him standing showing off his 'manhood.'

After a 2-day season a few years back they antis have kept the season closed.

 

[Nameless Hunter]

..., and a guide that runs slower than I do....

LD

Which reminds me ... what is the number one choice of caliber for a backup pistol on a Brown Bear hunt in Alaska?
Answer: 22 cal.
You can run faster than your guide if you shoot him in the leg...
Badda-boom

 

[bushytail]

AKA MOTU, That's a good one. Ha! Ha! Ha!

 

[hanshi]

Your .50 will be more then enough gun for bear or for that matter elk and moose. I have used both my .50 and .54 shooting prbs and was hard pressed to tell the difference between them on game. Heart and lung one shot kills every one. Straight shooting and have a good hunt. By the way rendered bear fat makes a great lubricant just don't render it on your wife's kitchen stove.

I couldn't agree more.