Will a .243 Really Kill a Bear?

I’ve been seeing discussions online about using a .243 caliber rifle for hunting bears, and I’m really curious about the effectiveness of this choice. I’m particularly interested in hunting black bears and would like to hear from anyone who’s had experience with this caliber in that context.

Effectiveness of .243 for Bear Hunting

  • Stopping Power: One of my main concerns is the stopping power of the .243. I’ve read that it’s on the lighter side for bear hunting, which makes me wonder if it’s a suitable choice.
  • Bullet Types: I understand there are various bullet types available. What do you recommend? Are there specific bullets that work better for larger game like bears?
  • Shot Placement: How crucial is shot placement with a .243? I’ve heard that with this caliber, where you aim can make a big difference. Can anyone share their experiences or tips?

Personal Experiences

If anyone has used a .243 for bear hunting, I’d love to hear about your experiences. Did you feel confident in your choice? How did the hunt go, and what was your approach?

Safety Considerations

Also, I’m interested in safety. Given that bears can be pretty tough, what precautions should I take when hunting with a .243?

Looking forward to your insights and advice! Thanks in advance for your input!

I’ve always heard that the .243 is pretty light for bear hunting. It’s great for deer and smaller game, but for black bears, it might work if you’re a good shot and aim for the vitals. More power is generally better, though.

I agree but also have to consider your hunting environment. A black bear might go 300-400 lbs, and a .243 could potentially take one down, but a grizzly? That’s asking for trouble. You’d definitely need a bigger caliber for them.

In my experience, a .243 can work for black bears, but the shot placement is critical. I once used it on a 250 lb bear and went for the heart. It dropped, but it was a tense moment!

Interesting take, sbarrera! Did you use expanding bullets, or just standard rounds? I’ve heard that’s key with lighter calibers.

Good question, yvonne58! I used soft-point bullets, which helped with penetration. But honestly, on bigger bears, I’d recommend something heavier, like a .300 Win Mag. Better safe than sorry!

While I think the .243 can handle a black bear under ideal conditions, I wouldn’t trust it for grizzly. The energy drop-off at range can be concerning. It’s about responsibility, after all.

Absolutely! You can’t afford to mess up with a grizzly. Imagine hunting one with a .243 and having it charge you instead! Yikes!

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Right? That’s the stuff nightmares are made of! A .243 is more about precision on smaller game. For bears, I’ll take my .30-06 any day.

There seems to be a consensus here. I have yet to see someone recommend a .243 for grizzlies. And for black bears, placement is everything! What do you all think about defensive scenarios?

I think if you’re camping in bear country, a .243 is probably not enough. I’d stick with at least a .308 for the peace of mind when it comes to bear encounters.

Ha! If my .243 were my only option, I’d definitely run faster than it could charge! Just kidding, but always better to be prepared. What about bear spray as a backup?

Absolutely! Bear spray complements any firearm. It’s crucial to have it on hand and be trained in using it. Safety first, right?

Reflecting on this debate, it appears that personal experiences vary greatly. If you’re set on a .243 for black bears, practice and preparation are vital. Choose wisely!

I think a .243 can be effective for bear hunting, but it depends on the ammunition you choose. Look for heavier bullets like 100 grains or more for better penetration.

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I’ve heard that soft point and bonded bullets work well for this. They expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel.

I agree with you, Daniel! I’ve used soft point bullets from Remington, and they’ve performed decently on black bears at close range.

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While soft points are popular, I’ve read that hollow points might not be reliable against a bear’s tough hide. What do you all think?

Hollow points can be tricky on larger game like bears. Stick with soft points or even partition bullets to ensure you get through.

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Great point, Amanda! I’ve also heard that heavier bullets from brands like Hornady can be effective, especially the SST ones.