[SPREST22]

How many of you guys have taken blackies with the 30-30?What loads did you use and what were the results?All this talk about the 30-30 and bears has gotten me interested in using my 336SS for early bear season in the Adirondacks here in NY.Shots won't be that far, so I'd like to see how it works from people who have done it.Thanks.

sprest22

 

[Steelbanger]

My 30-30 Contender Carbine accounted for a one-shot kill on a bear. I used WW 748 and a 170 Hornady FP at around 35 yds. The bear was small, around 125, and did manage to go about 20 yds. after it was hit. I have the bullet saved and it's a perfect mushroom shape.

 

[Lawdog]

When we were young teenagers a few of my friends took Black Bears using the .30-30 with factory Win. 170 gr. Silvertip loads. Of course we kids used whatever we had including a few that used .25-35's(a couple of them used .32-20's and one a .25-20) for hunting Black Bears. But the good Lord watches over fools and the unknowing. As I look back on those times I’m glad I had the “big gun” of our group. A 7.65 Argentine Mauser. Lawdog

 

[dabigmoose]

More than a hundred and more than i can remember most widley used
rifle in Alaska native Villages drops moose just as well in the wright hands.
Most bears we shot in the den in winter .We crawl in den check for cubs
while some one watches vent hole for bear sometimes will come out other exits. Shots are point blank black bears 400lbs drop easly EVEN WITH FACTORY AMMO. Also many killed in spring keep range under 100 yards.
Dabigmoose

 

[buckskin]

Strange method of hunting.

More than a hundred and more than i can remember most widley used
rifle in Alaska native Villages drops moose just as well in the wright hands.
Most bears we shot in the den in winter .We crawl in den check for cubs
while some one watches vent hole for bear sometimes will come out other exits. Shots are point blank black bears 400lbs drop easly EVEN WITH FACTORY AMMO.

 

[Geno]

I have in a Contender pistol. Worked out very effectively. I dont think I would do it again though. I have since bought a 45/70 barrel and it works even better, of course. Generally only use it when weather precludes bow hunting (rain).

 

[SPREST22]

Thanks for the replies.I figured the 30-30 would be up to task,just wanted to hear of some firsthand experiences,thanks again.

 

[billythekidrock]

My wife has killed two with her 30-30. If you are shooting les then 150 yards then I say go for it.

 

[oso45-70]

Bear Hunting

SPrest22

I have taken a few bear with a 30-30 while hunting with hounds, The bear was always very close either in a tree or backed up against a bluff or brushed up. A 30-30 will do a job on blackies at short ranges........Joe.......

 

[dabigmoose]

Strange method of hunting.

More than a hundred and more than i can remember most widley used
rifle in Alaska native Villages drops moose just as well in the wright hands.
Most bears we shot in the den in winter .We crawl in den check for cubs
while some one watches vent hole for bear sometimes will come out other exits. Shots are point blank black bears 400lbs drop easly EVEN WITH FACTORY AMMO.

well crawling in a bear den may be strange to you But!

We natives in Alaska interior have subsistence hunted Bear for many a year like this.
we also used a spear and torch before flash lite and
rifle and actually a modern spear still works and its easy to control the bear. Know days we crawl in the dens dart bear count cubs and tag bears .But we still harvest them the old way also.
Crawling in a den in the middle of winter is not for the faint of heart
Dabigmoose

 

[Deer663]

I've taken a bear with the 30-30. 20 yard shot, went 20 yards and died. Over the counter Winchester 150 grain bullet. I wouldn't hesitate to use the 30-30 again. I have taken many bear by archery and rifle. Shot placement is the KEY...

 

[Dusty Miller]

"Crawling into a bear hole in the mid of winter is not for the faint of heart". YEAH! And the sun rises in the east and sets in the west!!

 

[Rwalter63]

So what is the consenus?

I am also interested in this topic. As many of you already might know NYS has expanded the area where you can hunt with rifles this year. I am thinking about using a 30-30 to hunt bear also in Cattaragus County near the PA border. According to reports some of the bears in the region may run close to 600 lbs. Is a 30-30 enough firepower. I realize that many hunters have taken plenty of big game animals with the 30-30 and it is a capable weapon but what do bear hunters think? I doesn't seem that there is a consenus on this issue.

 

[Lawdog]

Re: So what is the consenus?

I am also interested in this topic. As many of you already might know NYS has expanded the area where you can hunt with rifles this year. I am thinking about using a 30-30 to hunt bear also in Cattaragus County near the PA border. According to reports some of the bears in the region may run close to 600 lbs. Is a 30-30 enough firepower. I realize that many hunters have taken plenty of big game animals with the 30-30 and it is a capable weapon but what do bear hunters think? I doesn't seem that there is a consenus on this issue.

Keep within the range of the .30-30 and you shouldn't have any problems even on the bigger Black Bears. Lawdog

 

[Rwalter63]

Lawdog, Thanks

Lawdog, thanks for the repley. I guess I get myself some Federal 170g Nosler Partitions and head out to the range to do some shooting. I almost anything I shoot at will be less than 150 yards any ways since I hunt in a mostly very wooded area. The ballastics on the 170g Noslers from Federal state that they are still pushing 990 lbs of energy at 200 yds (velocity of 1619 ft/sec) so if I keep my shots under 150 yds I think I should be ok. Is that what you would consider in range?