44 S&W model 29 for bear!!

[davet]

I was fortunate enough to get re-invited to a groups bear camp in Tionesta for the "Old Guy\Disabled Guy" early bear firearm season.

Now, deer archery is sill in and last year when I was there bear hunting someone kicked out a "trophy size" 10 to 12 point buck that stopped broadside....15 yards from me. Man.....you live for those times!! However, I had previously filled my buck tag with a lovely little 9 point.

So, I was talking to a buddy of mine and telling him that I can carry both a firearm and crossbow.....but where I'm going I can't take my cart and I "shuffle" up a trail to a spot where I hang out. My viewing distance is about 60 yards so any bear that I would be lucky enough to see is not far. (BTW, I can't physically carry both my Marlin 45-70 and my crossbow. Just to much weight for a guy who must use a cane. Think one "free" arm and I can't lift my left leg.)

So, he suggested carrying my 44 magnum. We agreed that a well placed shot would put down any Pa black bear. (It's gotta be a well placed shot no matter what firearm is used!)

Now, not to brag, but I'm a pretty good shot with my 44. A good rest such as my shooting stick (or frankly.....the big blowdown log where I setup) will provide an excellent rest to aim from.

So....I did all that 45-70 bear reloading for naught!!! The 44 is getting packed and hopefully.....I'll have a great story or two to tell when I get back!!!

FWIW

PS...If I get lucky you will know by the fabulous and sharp imaged photos that I take.  

[Dutch]

Best of luck Dave!

[Loggy]

Have a fun & safe trip Dave!!

I'll be in Sullivan County Thurs-Saturday next week for the Senior Bear/Deer combo Special!! Plan to carry my new Browning X-Bolt 6.5CM. Be her first introduction to the real world!!  

[acorn20]

Guess we'll have to start calling you "Dirty Davey!"

[dennyf]

Killed mature does with the 6" M629, using 200gr XTP handloads over a max charge of 2400. If I was going after bear, would probably move up to their 240gr bullet? Good luck.

[davet]

Oct 15, 2020 7:35:55 GMT -5 dennyf said:

Killed mature does with the 6" M629, using 200gr XTP handloads over a max charge of 2400. If I was going after bear, would probably move up to their 240gr bullet? Good luck.

Yeah.....I thought about that. I'll have to look and see if I have any 240gr. XTP's on the bullet shelf or not. I know I have 240gr lead....but would rather use a jacketed bullet.

My 200gr. XTP is loaded over 24gr. of VV-N110 and gives me a velocity of just a tad over 1500fps from the S&W 6". Always a one shot kill on any whitetail doe it's met up with.

[arnold]

If you're shot will likely be close, couldn't you shoot the bear with the crossbow anyway?

[davet]

Maximum range of crossbow is 30 yards. (My old crossbow....not one of those new high-fangled ones)

Maximum range of my 44 pistol....on deer 100 yards....on bear maybe 75 yards.

One unseen twig can throw off an arrows path. (Ask me how I know this)

I have one shot with a crossbow

I have six shots with a revolver

[blackbruin]

Good luck dave.

[davet]

I've decided against using my 44 mag. I loaded up some 240gr. bullets and I'm not pleased with the groupings at even 50 yards. What I should have done was work up loads about a month ago or even before that.

I have my 45-70 loads worked up using the Hornady 325gr Gummy Tip bullet at almost max loads. The bullet drop between 100 and 200 yards is about 10" and I know what point of the reticle to put that on.

If I'm lucky enough to have a shot, I want it to be a solid, well placed shot. I can do that with my 45-70. I don't have that comfort with the 44 mag right now.

So....if I see a big rack buck, I'll try to take one of my infamous pictures!!! These things happen. Plus.....it's getting tougher to multi-task the older I get!!!

[Dutch]

Dave, good decision

[davet]

Welp......as it turned out I could have hunted with a cap gun. I saw no bear and no bucks. Some doe though. I also flushed two grouse and had one come "prancing" by me. Neat little birds.

One of the guys was chatting with another fellow and his son. They were in those woods the previous Saturday just scouting and in a 3 hour period saw 4 bears!!!