450 Bushmaster vs Bears?

osprey · Sep 16, 2018

A couple of things. I do not consider the 450 bm = to the 45-70. The 45-70 is quite a bit more capable. A better comparison would be the 458 socom to the 45-70. Although it comes closer it is also eclipsed by the 45-70 in a modern strong action. That being said, the 450 bm is capable of cleanly killing a black bear but would not be my first choice for protection from them. Put me in the 12ga camp but also with a sidearm strapped to me. The places I camp have grizz, blackies, cougar, wolf and moose. I am always armed.

Blowgunner · Sep 17, 2018

You have it, it will work.
If it was me, I'd pack a 12 gauge, or a DA .44 mag with at least a 4" barrel if the long gun is too cumbersome.

orygun · Sep 17, 2018

osprey said:
A couple of things. I do not consider the 450 bm = to the 45-70. The 45-70 is quite a bit more capable. A better comparison would be the 458 socom to the 45-70. Although it comes closer it is also eclipsed by the 45-70 in a modern strong action. That being said, the 450 bm is capable of cleanly killing a black bear but would not be my first choice for protection from them. Put me in the 12ga camp but also with a sidearm strapped to me. The places I camp have grizz, blackies, cougar, wolf and moose. I am always armed.

I'll expand on this 45-70 thing. I'd say the 458 Socom has the oomph to match the regular ol 45-70 loads you buy in the green and yellow box, but the 45-70 has room for a bunch O powder and can use it in a strong action to push heavy bullets much faster than the 458 Socom. The huge benefit of an AR platform is quick follow up shots. Lots of them.

No_Regerts · Sep 17, 2018

coyotecaller said:
100% agree! It's as good as a 45-70 and Alaskan guides use them for moose and bears. So I think with good shot placement, it's more than enough gun for black bear

My 45-70 will do 2200fps....with 100 more grains of bullet.

No_Regerts · Sep 17, 2018

osprey said:
A couple of things. I do not consider the 450 bm = to the 45-70. The 45-70 is quite a bit more capable. A better comparison would be the 458 socom to the 45-70. Although it comes closer it is also eclipsed by the 45-70 in a modern strong action. That being said, the 450 bm is capable of cleanly killing a black bear but would not be my first choice for protection from them. Put me in the 12ga camp but also with a sidearm strapped to me. The places I camp have grizz, blackies, cougar, wolf and moose. I am always armed.

This. I have a modern 1886 and 1885. Both will send 300gr bullets at 2200fps and 405gr bullets at 2000fps.

I'd still carry a 12ga like my 590.