.450 Bushmaster on Black Bear

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - .450 Bushmaster on Black Bear

Posted: 8/21/2017 3:02:25 PM EST

I just got back from a 10 day hunt. My son killed a nice bear with his 45-70, mine was with my Marlin conversion .450 Bushmaster. My bear was smaller than I wanted, but I blame "last night in the bush bad bear judging"....my fault entirely. That said, my bear was DRT, dropped right now and gave a death moan, never moved an inch.

My son made a good hit with his 45-70.....one shoulder and both lungs....and we STILL had to trail the bear 60 yards or so.

No Bigfoot was sighted or harmed in the making of this post

Posted: 8/21/2017 3:04:01 PM EST

[#1]

Lots of good eatin' there...and rugs too.

Posted: 8/21/2017 3:06:17 PM EST

[#2]

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Lots of good eatin' there...and rugs too.

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We absolutely LOVE bear meat. Bush-bears, not dump-bears

Posted: 8/21/2017 3:09:04 PM EST

[#3]

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Quoted:
We absolutely LOVE bear meat. Bush-bears, not dump-bears

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Quoted:
Lots of good eatin' there...and rugs too.

We absolutely LOVE bear meat. Bush-bears, not dump-bears

Bears that have been eating berries are damn good.

Bears that have been eating salmon?

Posted: 8/21/2017 3:31:33 PM EST

[#4]

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Bears that have been eating berries are damn good.

Bears that have been eating salmon?

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Yeah, I imagine. These bears are feeding on blueberries and mountain ash....although they do feed on the lakeshore quite a bit. I imagine they are eating water plants and all the little crustaceans attached. These particular bears are great.....we fried up a few chunks while butchering.

Posted: 8/21/2017 3:35:19 PM EST

[#5]

Yum. Good job.

Posted: 8/21/2017 3:37:14 PM EST

[#6]

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Quoted:
We absolutely LOVE bear meat. Bush-bears, not dump-bears

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Yeah...dump bears are pretty rank, but get one that's been into the huckleberries and they're amazing.

Posted: 8/21/2017 3:38:19 PM EST

[#7]

Excellent work OP.

How do you guys prepare your bear meat?

The only bear I've eaten out here was off the grill and it was very greasy... I didn't like it at all.

Posted: 8/21/2017 3:40:11 PM EST

[#8]

What bullet did your son use in his 45-70?

Posted: 8/21/2017 3:40:14 PM EST

[#9]

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Excellent work OP.

How do you guys prepare your bear meat?

The only bear I've eaten out here was off the grill and it was very greasy... I didn't like it at all.

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My son loves it off the grill. I enjoy it too, but prefer roasts and stews.

It is amazing in a meat pie with onions, carrots and rutabaga.

Posted: 8/21/2017 3:44:49 PM EST

[#10]

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What bullet did your son use in his 45-70?

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Hornady Lever Evolution, 325 grain FTX. I think next year he will change that. I don't think they are designed to open up and energy dump at close range....both our shots were 10 yards. Not enough damage, small exit hole. His shot was good, that bear should have just rolled over.

My 450 Bushmaster, using the same style of bullet, did just fine.

Posted: 8/21/2017 3:45:51 PM EST

[#11]

My gf and i eat bear steak often. We always grill them up the same way because we found it was oh so good. Marinate overnight with equal parts oil and vinegar, some Worcestershire, salt and pepper and cilantro. Try it out!

Posted: 8/21/2017 3:47:37 PM EST

[#12]

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My gf and i eat bear steak often. We always grill them up the same way because we found it was oh so good. Marinate overnight with equal parts oil and vinegar, some Worcestershire, salt and pepper and cilantro. Try it out!

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Sounds awesome

Posted: 8/21/2017 4:24:24 PM EST

[#13]

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Quoted:

Hornady Lever Evolution, 325 grain FTX. I think next year he will change that. I don't think they are designed to open up and energy dump at close range....both our shots were 10 yards. Not enough damage, small exit hole. His shot was good, that bear should have just rolled over.

My 450 Bushmaster, using the same style of bullet, did just fine.

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Thinking of going to hardcast? Or like a Woodleigh Weldcore?

Posted: 8/21/2017 4:43:57 PM EST

[#14]

Where was your hunt? Bear hunting is on my to do list.

Posted: 8/21/2017 4:48:57 PM EST

[#15]

Now you know why the 450 Bushmaster is a hot commodity in Alaska. It's a light gun and lays the smack down.

Posted: 8/21/2017 4:49:19 PM EST

[#16]

Nice! The .450 bushy is a bad motherfucker and gets almost zero respect. I loved mine the moment I got it 10yrs ago.

Posted: 8/21/2017 4:53:31 PM EST

[#17]

Nice! I've never shot a bear, but my .450 kills whitetails like a mofo!

Posted: 8/21/2017 4:54:10 PM EST

[#18]

Cool post.

Bruin pot pie.

Posted: 8/21/2017 6:13:45 PM EST

[#19]

We've done a few remington and savage bolt guns may have to try the marlin . They put the smack down on whitetail !

Posted: 8/21/2017 6:15:56 PM EST

[#20]

Yeah 45 bushmaster is plenty

KA POW ha ha

Posted: 8/21/2017 6:16:44 PM EST

[#21]

You can't bait or dog hunt bears in NY so most of them are just accidental muggings by deer hunters

Posted: 8/21/2017 7:46:31 PM EST

[#22]

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Thinking of going to hardcast? Or like a Woodleigh Weldcore?

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For the 45-70, probably something from Buffalo Bore

Not familiar with Wodleigh Weldcore....will check them out

Posted: 8/21/2017 7:47:16 PM EST

[#23]

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Where was your hunt? Bear hunting is on my to do list.

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Dog Lake area, Ontario. Lots of bears.

Posted: 8/21/2017 7:53:51 PM EST

[#24]

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For the 45-70, probably something from Buffalo Bore

Not familiar with Wodleigh Weldcore....will check them out

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I'm no bear hunter, I'll admit.

However, I'm a huge 45-70 fan.

Buffalo Bore has a very wide selection, but may I recommend Garrett Cartridges of Texas?

Expensive, but in my research, the best there is.

Again, I wish I could tell you I've shot Kodiak brown bear with it...I haven't.

It is well respected and performs well.

If you want a few rounds of one of their loadings, PM me. I have bought a lifetimes worth.

Posted: 8/21/2017 7:59:29 PM EST

[#25]

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Quoted:

I'm no bear hunter, I'll admit.

However, I'm a huge 45-70 fan.

Buffalo Bore has a very wide selection, but may I recommend Garrett Cartridges of Texas?

Expensive, but in my research, the best there is.

Again, I wish I could tell you I've shot Kodiak brown bear with it...I haven't.

It is well respected and performs well.

If you want a few rounds of one of their loadings, PM me. I have bought a lifetimes worth.

View Quote

Thank you. I like Garrett....actually one of my hunting partners uses them (you just reminded me).

These bears need anchoring, not because they are dangerous.....because of how thick the cover is. My sons bear didn't go far, but 60 yards in that cover took us 45 minutes of tracking. We actually bumped it in the dark....decided to back out and come back. It was dead where we heard it "huffing" at us.

Posted: 8/21/2017 8:05:20 PM EST

[#26]

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Thank you. I like Garrett....actually one of my hunting partners uses them (you just reminded me).

These bears need anchoring, not because they are dangerous.....because of how thick the cover is. My sons bear didn't go far, but 60 yards in that cover took us 45 minutes of tracking. We actually bumped it in the dark....decided to back out and come back. It was dead where we heard it "huffing" at us.

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Ashley and Deanna are awesome. I've gotten some treats from my patronage.

Posted: 8/21/2017 8:05:37 PM EST

[#27]

Quoted:
I just got back from a 10 day hunt. My son killed a nice bear with his 45-70, mine was with my Marlin conversion .450 Bushmaster. My bear was smaller than I wanted, but I blame "last night in the bush bad bear judging"....my fault entirely. That said, my bear was DRT, dropped right now and gave a death moan, never moved an inch.

My son made a good hit with his 45-70.....one shoulder and both lungs....and we STILL had to trail the bear 60 yards or so.

No Bigfoot was sighted or harmed in the making of this post

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/IMG_0619_zpsfp16xcwf.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/IMG_0610_zpspou5ctcr.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/IMG_0612_zpszgumpkxh.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/IMG_0617_zpsflp1hipv.jpg

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Great Father - Son hunt!

The "death moan" is the scariest sound I have ever heard.

He is not saying much these days:

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Posted: 8/21/2017 8:11:36 PM EST

[#28]

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Quoted:

Great Father - Son hunt!

The "death moan" is the scariest sound I have ever heard.

He is not saying much these days:

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/64530/IMG_1062-286858.JPG

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Great looking rug!

Posted: 8/21/2017 8:18:47 PM EST

[#29]

The Lyman cast 330gr Gould mold opens up in my 458 SOCOM. Actually, the front hollow point breaks up into 2-3 parts and the remaining slug keeps on a chugging.

Posted: 8/22/2017 10:28:01 AM EST

[#30]

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The Lyman cast 330gr Gould mold opens up in my 458 SOCOM. Actually, the front hollow point breaks up into 2-3 parts and the remaining slug keeps on a chugging.

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Are you shooting that out of an AR?

Posted: 8/22/2017 10:35:15 AM EST

[#31]

I'll be pretty disappointed if I don't see a thread from you in the future where you made a bear jacket

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Posted: 8/22/2017 10:35:51 AM EST

[#32]

Is the .450 Bushmaster powerful enough to hunt Brown bears?

Posted: 8/22/2017 10:52:55 AM EST

[#33]

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I'll be pretty disappointed if I don't see a thread from you in the future where you made a bear jacket

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/419044/IMG_1068-287229.JPG

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There will at least be an awesome meal post

Posted: 8/22/2017 10:54:49 AM EST

[#34]

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Is the .450 Bushmaster powerful enough to hunt Brown bears?

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I have never hunted Brown Bears, so my opinion is speculation. But guys have killed them with .44 Magnum handguns, so I would say yes.

If I had a heavier rifle available I would tote that, however.

Posted: 8/22/2017 5:54:09 PM EST

[#35]

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Quoted:
Is the .450 Bushmaster powerful enough to hunt Brown bears?

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Never used one for bear but they knock the crap outta white tail . In bolt guns we are getting close to 2300 fps with 250 grain bullets .
We have a group going south hog hunting with 450's I bet the cartridge will work well for them.

Posted: 8/22/2017 6:03:31 PM EST

[#36]

I want to bear hunt so bad!

Posted: 8/22/2017 6:10:17 PM EST

[#37]

That Ruger Scout in .450 is the sexiest rifle I have held in a long while. Thanks for making it worse, OP.

Posted: 8/22/2017 6:17:48 PM EST

[#38]

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Quoted:
Are you shooting that out of an AR?

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Quoted:

Quoted:
The Lyman cast 330gr Gould mold opens up in my 458 SOCOM. Actually, the front hollow point breaks up into 2-3 parts and the remaining slug keeps on a chugging.

Are you shooting that out of an AR?

Yes, double powdercoated, no lead buildup in gas tube.

Posted: 8/22/2017 6:24:22 PM EST

[#39]

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Quoted:
I want to bear hunt so bad!

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Depending on where you're at, it's kind of a boar [pun intended].

I haven't seen a big enough one to arrow while I'm deer hunting, but I always get the tag. All the ones I do see just kind of mosey around looking under logs and stuff.

Posted: 8/22/2017 6:31:00 PM EST

[#40]

I shot a black bear in Quebec back in '98 with a Marlin 45/70. I used a handload with a bulk pack Remington 300 gr hp, with a hefty charge of Reloader 7 under it. Shot from a tree stand and it was looking right at me. Bullet went in just under the neck, thru the brisket and front of the rib cage, ended up under the hide in the right hind quarter. Mushroomed almost twice diameter, core stayed in. Bear rolled over, did the death moan and that was that. Love my 45/70 lol.

Posted: 8/22/2017 7:42:38 PM EST

[#41]

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Quoted:
Depending on where you're at, it's kind of a boar [pun intended].

I haven't seen a big enough one to arrow while I'm deer hunting, but I always get the tag. All the ones I do see just kind of mosey around looking under logs and stuff.

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I want to bear hunt so bad!

Depending on where you're at, it's kind of a boar [pun intended].

I haven't seen a big enough one to arrow while I'm deer hunting, but I always get the tag. All the ones I do see just kind of mosey around looking under logs and stuff.

Are they that common?