I've been packing around my 375jdj and my iron sighted 475 for bear hunting out here but deer season is just around the corner. I'm planning on using my 7-30 barrel for deer and still carrying my 475 as a backup gun but I'm wondering if I should switch the bullets I'm using just in case I run into a bear which seems to be a distinct possibility since I've already seen 6 but haven't been able to get off a shot. I'm shooting 120gr Nosler Ballistic Tips @ 2400fps right now but I was thinking about going to the 140gr Partition or Accubond, both have a minimum effective velocity of 1800fps which would make my max shot about 275yds according to my ballistics program. Have any of you used the partitions in the 7-30 or used the 7-30 for bear or should I go overkill with the 375jdj on deer. Most of our bears are in the 200lb range with 300lb+ being common and 500lb+ a realistic possibility.

Stay with the .375JDJ...you can NEVER go wrong with "more" gun on a toothy critter!

I would use the 375. I have shot a few bears and they were all tougher than deer. I have seen perfect shots that would have put a deer down quick not even phase a bear. All of my hunting is on saltwater beaches where I really don't want the bear to leave the beach because the brush is really thick most places.

I'd stay with the .375 too. You'll be better off with too much than not enough. I'm in the same situation. With bear season just around the corner, the only loads I have for my .454 Casulls are using 300 gr XTP/Mags. I'm sure these would work fine, but I have pretty much got myself convinced to use my .45-70 with 300 gr Partitions just in case. I've found some sign of at least one big bear in the area and I have more confidence that the .45-70 will get the job done.

Thanks guys, I guess bambi will get a big hole in him but at least if I cross a bear I know I've got enough gun.

Hey Rod, go BIG or go home!!!

LOL<LOL<LOL

I'd take the 375 JDJ.

Dale, I could always try and get my hands on that 600 Nitro Encore........ouch, one thing for sure if I missed the bear at least I'd be unconscious while he was eating me.

I think I'd go with the .375 JDJ, Im sure you could kill a bear with the 7-30, But that wouldnt be my first choice if I had your arsenal.