.300 WM enough for a big brown bear?

[RealMuddyboots]

I get out there a month ahead of time to get used to the altitude.

This is by far the most often overlooked physical preparation you can do to have a great hunt at altitude! I always added at least 3 days prior to hunt at altitude which provides good altitude acclimation and helps hit the ground "running" first day of hunt.

 

[RealMuddyboots]

With my Sherman and the 181 hammer I was shy of 3100 with the fast powders available. The throat was as far out as I could with still seating them. A standard case holds 6 grains less powder under those same throat conditions. A Gibbs case could get you to 3100 with RL26 but brass would be a 2 shot life span.

Peterson standard 30-06 brass. The "secret" is simple. Serengeti bore rider reamer which also reduces pressure along with added freebore. The 700LA provides great maximum magazine COAL of 3.67" which opens door for more freebore with monos like Hammers. The 181HH at 3100 is with Ramshot Big Game. Ball powder can give you more "case capacity". I stop my ladders at first sign of pressure of slightest ejector mark. Brass life decent at 5-7 loads considering.

The 199HH @2925 is with Ramshot Hunter which has been a really good 4350 range powder for a lot of different cartridge loads for me with great case fill.

30-06 build: 26" McGowen Sendero contour, 1:9tw, 700LA, TriggerTech trigger, freebore added for 181HH. MDT Field Stock, Vortex 5x25x56 Strike Eagle won with $10 raffle ticket.!

RL26 is not my go to in 06. Heck, have better loads with RL17. However, RL26 in my .270Win nicknamed Thors Hammer over on LRH built same way and just unreal Pixie Dust performance. Legit RL26 gave 3250 with 156HH, 3200 with 160HHT and 3100 with 170EOL.

.270TH build: 27" Preferred Barrel, Light Palma contour, 1:8tw, freebore, 700LA, TriggerTech trigger, Magpul stock, Athlon 4.5x25x50 Gen2 Midas.

IMO, if you are going to shoot longer, heavier, higher BC monos, the longer maximum magazine COAL actions really have to be considered to give the best opportunity to max out case capacity with mono seated out with freebore. I created a "whistle collection" to show where a mono is going to seat in case neck. Provides great visual to help understand where bullet bands, bearing surfaces are in relation to each cartridge case. Attached is dummy round photo of the .270 156HH seated out 3.63" with 0.020 jump with 0.290 freebore.

IMO, older standard cartridges built on SAAMI parameters have opportunity to improve their performance IF you build using modern gunsmithing techniques. Essentially, taking a standard cartridge and "Creedmooring" it with reamers, freebore and longer heavier higher BC bullets with actions that can provide the added performance.

No, I don't have a solo out playing these "whistles".

 

[Cornbread]

This is by far the most often overlooked physical preparation you can do to have a great hunt at altitude! I always added at least 3 days prior to hunt at altitude which provides good altitude acclimation and helps hit the ground "running" first day of hunt.

Exactly. I used to downhill ski in Colorado & Utah. A knee replacement at 62, and a broken back at 68 from falling off a horse prevents me from continuing my ski career. And my friends will disown me if I get on a horse again.

 

[Cornbread]

Why not just buy a .300 WM or .300 PRC??

 

[Smtn10pt]

Good luck on your hunt. I took my bear with a 338 RUM, my buddy killed his with a 28 Nosler. Make the first shot count.

 

[appmtnhntr]

 

[Cornbread]

Good luck on your hunt. I took my bear with a 338 RUM, my buddy killed his with a 28 Nosler. Make the first shot count.

I ended up getting a left-handed Ruger Hawkeye in .375 Ruger. I sold my Browning BAR Safari in .338 Win Mag, a great caliber, because the damn thing wouldnt group, POI changes, etc. I threw in the towel. Very poor design. So, i really have 3 alternatives: my Browning BLR in .300 Win Mag, a new Tenacity Arms LH in .300 PRC that I'll get delivered later this year, and the new Ruger Hawkeye. My trip isnt until late April 2027, so Ill have plenty of time to practice. I can almost guarantee that Ill have to take the new Hawkeye to my gunsmith to have the trigger lowered to 2lbs. And Ill need a scope. Im leaning towards getting a Nightforce, either an LPVO or say a 2-12 power. That way I could use it for elk if I want.

 

[Pahoundsman]

300 am is all you need. I shot a grizzly in Alaska in 21 and the Hammers did the job with some 4350 behind them

 

[Cornbread]

300 am is all you need. I shot a grizzly in Alaska in 21 and the Hammers did the job with some 4350 behind them

I dont reload

 

[Cornbread]

Good luck on your hunt. I took my bear with a 338 RUM, my buddy killed his with a 28 Nosler. Make the first shot count.

I picked up my new Ruger Hawkeye M77 in .375 Ruger yesterday. I was figuring Id have to take it down to my local gunsmith and have the trigger adjusted to a reasonable level of 2-3lbs. But boys, I was pleasantly shocked. I nearly fell over. Stunned!! The trigger was effing perfect!! No shtz! Call me a liar, but Ill take a lie-detector test! It was a lefty. Stock was very nice. I tip my hat to Ruger.

Im leaning towards getting a Nightforce in either an LPVO or say a 2-14x50. A 2-14 would give me another option for elk. I have to see what ammo it likes, and how it groups.