How Big ya need …to feel Safe?

[Africa58double]

Just curious what others think about being in a environment with large carnivores. I’m not going to state the name of the animal because I don’t want this thread to become “That Thread”.
If you are hunting normal game, say… Elk and in Montana. What’s your option you would suggest or take for Muzzleloader hunting when large Non friendly mammals are in the same area. That’s rite- Furry , Large and sharp describes the problem.
Try to keep your opinions to genuine answers and not the “Oh you will be fine, take whatever ya want.”

Participation is for Caliber discussion

Would a .45 Long Conical , .50 Real Bullet, .54 Mini or a .58,62,72 Roundball Etc…. Be your choice and please explain why.

Thank you for your Time
Afr58X

 

[Christophero]

Many say a venerable .45 caliber breechloading round is suitable as " Furry , Large and sharp" medicine, but I'm only inclined to say that is so if you can ensure a direct brain or CNS hit. I've shot too many thin skinned furry, medium and fleet and seen them take off in a mad dash to trust it for a bruiser that wants me dead and will charge through a hail of lead to accomplish that. I suppose what you have hanging on the basement wall pointing toward us is about as good a stopper than anything else we will recommend. Sure would like to see the rest of that behemoth.

 

[cynthialee]

well it is obvious what you are speaking of and the answer to that is any one of those will kill any animal on this continent with proper shot placement

but all things considered the .72 roundball would likely stop such a critter in its tracks

 

[dogfood]

I would say that bigger is better, but to a point. If we're talking a charging grizzly, you want a big wound channel so if you don't hit vitals with the first shot, he's going to start bleeding out. But when charging, you'd def want a quick follow-up shot. I think the double barrel you've displayed is an optimal choice.
When folks started going to the Rockies and auch, they went from an east of the mississippi ~.45 cal, to beefed up .54s etc.

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Living in grizz country I can tell you; no matter caliber you are packing, you got about 3 seconds before he's on you. Good luck.

 

[Africa58double]

So a 45 conical with 70 gr of Black Powder is your muzzleloader suggestion for Elk hunting while Angerus-De-Fur-Humungunus is Roaming around the Mountain your hunting?

Many say a venerable .45 caliber breechloading round is suitable as " Furry , Large and sharp" medicine, but I'm only inclined to say that is so if you can ensure a direct brain or CNS hit. I've shot too many thin skinned furry, medium and fleet and seen them take off in a mad dash to trust it for a bruiser that wants me dead and will charge through a hail of lead to accomplish that. I suppose what you have hanging on the basement wall pointing toward us is about as good a stopper than anything else we will recommend. Sure would like to see the rest of that behemoth.

It’s a .58 Pedersoli Kodiak , I also have a Big Boar T/C .58

 

[Africa58double]

I ask this question because I like to know what others suggest or would carry.
I Think my .58s with either the 280gr 8-9Bhn Patched Ball or the 8-9Bhn R.E.A.L Bullet at 445gr would be plenty of thump. Then again a 600gr .58 Maxi times two would make me feel warm and fuzzy.

Please tho- tell me what you would take? A .50 with a Heavy conical?

 

[Africa58double]

Living in grizz country I can tell you; no matter caliber you are packing, you got about 3 seconds before he's on you. Good luck.

Ah a man among the Beast. What’s your Muzzleloader choice when in them areas? Just a regular Hawken .50 with a reload of Hope and Prayer?

Seriously tho, I’m sure it’s crossed your mind/Or Your path. I’d like to know what you hunt with.

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Haha, not much of a hunter but I have spent years riding and working cattle in the backcountry. Seen lots of bears and always gave them a wide berth. Sometimes come across them on a fresh kill; those are the ones you want to steer clear of. Anyhow, don't want to derail your topic.

 

[appalichian hunter]

So a 45 conical with 70 gr of Black Powder is your muzzleloader suggestion for Elk hunting while Angerus-De-Fur-Humungunus is Roaming around the Mountain your hunting?

It’s a .58 Pedersoli Kodiak , I also have a Big Boar T/C .58View attachment 117984View attachment 117988

Never hunted in grizz territory but would carry the double gun on the left loaded with the heaviest charge and bullet I could accurately deploy in a very short time. Two barrels is always better than one in those situations. As was stated don't take long for a bear to cover ground, add in the O **** factor and you best hit him hard and lethal. The other thing is I would also carry a rather stout un-mentionable modern handgun and also be proficient in its use at close quarters. The area I hunt has black bear, never had a situation with them but my mother did not raise a fool. There is always a modern side arm on me or very easily accessed. And it's not an auto but a wheel gun. less chance of a malfunction. And yes, it's a big caliber.

 

[Africa58double]

RanchRoper,No derail- Straight from the Horses mouth, or saddle… so to speak. Good stuff cowboy

 

[Omahkapi'si]

The grizzly respiratory / circulatory system can be an issue too. It's massive and they can keep on like a locomotive even after getting shot, unless you're able to put one in the brain. Actually the fish & wildlife guys tell me that black bears are more unpredictable, and much more likely to attack suddenly. The grizzly encounters I've had they were mostly doing their own thing and were not too bothered by me because I was horseback and they have no concept of a human there I figure. But I never stuck around to find out either.

 

[Africa58double]

Oh I Hear ya. “Go prepared”… And I intend to. I may be Headed to Montana this year. Large population of The Griz up there and it got me thinking, Hence the Thread. Wanted to know what others thought about it.
Yes I’m a revolver guy- Yet since I’m a Advocate for the Black powder… I just can’t be bringing any side arm. So I Just picked up a short 5.5 ROA. I’ll get a 255 Mould for it and develop a stout 777 charge for it. Up close/ I think that’s “Well Healed” with the Double and some heavy charged big conicals.

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Safe travels.

 

[Africa58double]

My Boss is going after Elk, (Modern rifle) and I’ll be Eye balling a Blacky at under 100 yards. Montana has got a serious population size of the unfriendly fur. Yet Muzzleloader is a must.

 

[tenngun]

A twelve pounder.
I cared a .54 in Grizzly area. Could have been ugly but I never felt nude
Saw black tracks just last week had my TFC with me,

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Welcome to grizz country.... ....

 

[Africa58double]

Breathtaking

 

[Africa58double]

A twelve pounder.
I cared a .54 in Grizzly area. Could have been ugly but I never felt nude
Saw black tracks just last week had my TFC with me,

TFC ?

 

[Africa58double]

I spent 2 months as a Assistant to a Professional hunter in S.Africa- seen a bunch of nasty and beautiful creatures up close. They tend to not want to dye.
Yet Grizz are No Small animal and I’m sure they need some Powder/Power to be put down.