.54 PRB enough for black bear

[bigbadben]

So what's the consensus? Is the .54 PRB enough for black bear? Bear in mind (no pun intended) that unless I'm in Canada I'll probably have my S&W 629 on my hip loaded with full-house 300gr LBTs -I'm not looking to die here.

But seriously, is the 54 enough or would I want more gun?

Ben

 

[biliff]

Yes, its enough.

 

[bigbore442001]

Black bears aren't like water buffalo. A well placed shot from any round that will kill a deer will kill a black bear.

A good hunting load such as 90 to 120 grains of powder with a patched round ball will cleanly take a black bear with a shot to the vitals.

I would not lose any sleep over it. Just practice shooting at odd angles if you plan on a bait hunt. He may come from behind or side when going to lunch.

 

[meathead]

In '92 I hit a long yearling sow at 107 paces. Shot was broadside and hit on the shoulder joint. passed through and shattered the upper leg bone just below the other shoulder joint, lodging under the hide. Ball flattened to .93 Cal., and stayed at 230 grains!!!She went down right now, got up and fell on her back.Rifle was a TOW Bridger Hawken built by Nance in Missoula. 35" Green River barrel. Load was 130 gns. of FFG and patched ball. I knew at the time that it was a some what long shot, but the rifle is a good one and I was shooting alot of off hand at muzzleloading matches so I felt confident at taking the shot. I belive that a .54 patched ball with a good charge of black is a good choice for all North American Big Game. Get as close as possible and practice, practice, practice. Good luck! meathead

 

[Wehrmacht]

I have a .50cal H.House Southern Mountain Rifle,70gr 3f with PRB that has always been successful for me...bear,deer,hogs. I have moved up to a .60cal straight rifled rifle, but not out of concern for the .50's ability which is beyond question with good shot placement. 'Course I've always got my little 1911 on my hip too...but again,not out of concern....I just fell in love with 1911's way back when Uncle Sam issued me one during the Cuban Missile Crisis :thumbsup:.