Elk bullet in Grizzly country

[AssawomanGunsmith]

I'm currently working up the load I'll be hunting with this fall in Wyoming for bull elk. I am trying some loads with 180gr Barnes TTSX, as I've had great luck in the past with other rifles(this year I'll be shooting a Benelli Lupo chambered in 300 Win Mag), and the thought of having to use the rifle to defend myself- a tough bullet is what I want, so it's a win-win.

I'm just curious as to those of you lucky enough to reside in the West: do you give much thought to grizzly when deciding on a bullet for elk? Am I just overthinking things, like my mind tends to work, because I have to think about ballistics daily? Obviously, if I do not get acceptable accuracy, I will choose a different load.

What bullet do you use?

 

[Straight Arrow]

I'm currently working up the load I'll be hunting with this fall in Wyoming for bull elk. I am trying some loads with 180gr Barnes TTSX, as I've had great luck in the past with other rifles(this year I'll be shooting a Benelli Lupo chambered in 300 Win Mag), and the thought of having to use the rifle to defend myself- a tough bullet is what I want, so it's a win-win.

I'm just curious as to those of you lucky enough to reside in the West: do you give much thought to grizzly when deciding on a bullet for elk? Am I just overthinking things, like my mind tends to work, because I have to think about ballistics daily? Obviously, if I do not get acceptable accuracy, I will choose a different load.

What bullet do you use?

It is considerably easier to have a hunting partner(s) with bear spray at-the-ready.
BTW, as dramatic, exciting, and potentially tragic as a grizzly encounter may seem ... it's not likely in reality ... unless you are careless.

If your plan is to shoot a griz, then pack the largest caliber possible ... and if killing a griz, be prepared for your life to be turned upside down for awhile by the feds.

 

[AssawomanGunsmith]

It is considerably easier to have a hunting partner(s) with bear spray at-the-ready.
BTW, as dramatic, exciting, and potentially tragic as a grizzly encounter may seem ... it's not likely in reality ... unless you are careless.

If your plan is to shoot a griz, then pack the largest caliber possible ... and if killing a griz, be prepared for your life to be turned upside down for awhile by the feds.

I left out that the people I'm hunting with and I will have bear spray, and I understand that an encounter is highly unlikely. I was a Police Officer before a Gunsmith. I had OC spray and a taser as well as a pistol; I didn't want to use either but carried all. I view the bear spray, pistol, and rifle in the same way; I don't want to use either in that way.
I guess my question was more about whether, when deciding what bullet to use, people considered potentially having to use the rifle against a bear, or if it's not considered by others. I'm also somewhat curious what everyone uses.

 

[MTTW]

In my opinion any good elk bullet from a .300 win. will suffice. I sometimes hunt elk with a muzzleloader and have never considered changing bullets in case of bears. I have spent some time thinking about the lack of a follow up shot however.
This is north of Yellowstone so there are plenty of bears. I would be more confident with any elk rifle with any bullet than I would be with any pistol, bear spray and a buddy.

 

[elkhuntinfool78]

I've never picked a bullet due to hunting in grizzly country and have lived in montana my whole life. FWIW I have hunted solo for the last 15+ years. I do carry pepper spray or a sidearm

 

[Salmonchaser]

Yes. I but I like bonded bullets,or the Barnes, just in case things go a little wrong. I avoid bullets that come with the recommendation to stay off the shoulder. For things that can stomp or eat me; Swift A frame; Barnes tsx; Nosler Accubond or Partition.
Have a great hunt! 20 years guiding in Alaska, you wouldn’t catch me in Grizzly country without pepper spray.

 

[wytex]

Are you going to be hunting in actual grizz country?
I'd get my elk rifle dialed in for elk and have a large caliber pistol for the bears to go with bear spray.

 

[AssawomanGunsmith]

Are you going to be hunting in actual grizz country?
I'd get my elk rifle dialed in for elk and have a large caliber pistol for the bears to go with bear spray.

yes. unit that borders yellowstone

 

[Bighorner]

I really like ttsx out of my 7 RM because they seem to do really well on elk. When it comes to bear defense, I was sold on spray after getting to use some intert spray at a Living With Bears talk put on my the WYGF. It is way more forgiving than a pistol. I get wind is always a factor.

A number of years ago I listened to a talk where a hunter killed his partner near the Idaho boarder during a bear attack. He shot the bear and the bullet left the bear and hit his partner. That has really stuck with me. I don't want to be put in a position where my only option is to shoot towards my friend.

 

[Bighorner]

Are you going to be hunting in actual grizz country?
I'd get my elk rifle dialed in for elk and have a large caliber pistol for the bears to go with bear spray.

If I have a rifle, I don't take a pistol. If I don't have a rifle I take my pistol. Rarely do i double up.

 

[DIY HUNTER]

i just hunt with what ever caliber/ bullet that shoots and performs well on elk/ deer. Being smart in bear country goes a long way!! I never carry a pistol and spray and a rifle. Figure my rifle is enough… if I am packing meat, scouting, or hiking with my wife then i have a chest carry pistol or sometimes just spray.

 

[Jnasa]

I don't choose my elk bullet based on if I may have to defend against a possible grizzly. However, I always choose a strong bullet. Something bonded or mono design.

I still like packing bear spray or a pistol depending on circumstances. I do not carry both on me. Cumbersome then what do you reach for first. Have whichever you are most confident in.

As others have stated unlikely scenario but better be prepared and not need it than being unprepared.

 

[Ben Long]

I think you're overthinking it. I shoot 165 Barnes copper bullets in a 308 and they go plumb through an elk, so I would feel comfortable shooting a grizzly with it, if I had to. But you probably won't have to. And if I were in a close-range scrap, I would want pepper spray over a rifle or even a pistol. I'm no professional shootist, but man I can hit stuff with a spray of pepper. I have a lot more faith in spray than I do my ability to hit a bear's brain with a pistol or even find it in a rifle scope if things are up-close and persoonal.

 

[brockel]

If the idea was to stop a charging bear with your rifle “good luck by the way” my bullet would be one that does the most tissue damage. Not one that drills a hole through them.

 

[ccc23454]

yes. unit that borders yellowstone

Listen to your outfitter and don't overthink bears, it can ruin trip. Take precautions, abide by storage rules, stay alert but have fun. If your in backcountry camp for a week someone in your group will have a run in likely but it will be 1 of 2 things. Bear in camp (most likely) that your outfitter will handle or a minor run in that bear runs off when confronted. Guessing 99+% of bear issues end with bear harmlessly running away and you putting on fresh underwear.