6.5 - 300 for Brown Bear

[Marishka]

I am planning a brown bear hunt for next fall and was considering what to use. I have all of the .300+ to choose from but was wondering about the 6.5-300. I have one that the Weather custom shop built for me a number of years ago. I have never used it. The statistics are very interesting. So, I would like to know if anyone has ever used one for Brown Bears in Alaska.  If so, how did it work out.

Thanks.

[Dino82520]

I'm sure that a 6.5X.300 Wby with the proper bullet would kill a brown bear, the question in my mind is, How long would it take. Those bears can cover a lot of ground in a very short period of time. Looking at your battery I see many more suitable arms for this task. A .300 with premium heavy bullets and a .340 Wby would do. To me picking out a rifle I would choose a .375 Weatherby, probably for nostalgia sake.

If you're looking to be the first to bag a brownie with a 6.5X300, go for it but make sure you have a reliable guide or back up with a boomer. You don't want to end up being a tasty snack, do you?

[danno50]

I'm sure that a 6.5X.300 Wby with the proper bullet would kill a brown bear, the question in my mind is, How long would it take. Those bears can cover a lot of ground in a very short period of time. Looking at your battery I see many more suitable arms for this task. A .300 with premium heavy bullets and a .340 Wby would do. To me picking out a rifle I would choose a .375 Weatherby, probably for nostalgia sake.

If you're looking to be the first to bag a brownie with a 6.5X300, go for it but make sure you have a reliable guide or back up with a boomer. You don't want to end up being a tasty snack, do you?

          +1 The Weatherby ammo ballistics chart suggests that dangerous game loads start with the 378 Wby cal. (probably out of an abundance of caution)  I would not pick the “bear minimum” caliber on a dangerous game hunt, dangerous game is unpredictable before and after the shot. 

[Marishka]

Thank you for your opinions. I will let all know if I do decide to use it. I know that placement will be key and it is that which I will discuss with my guide. Ordinarily, I would use my .340 or one of my .375s (Weatherby or H&H) and that is probably what I will do. But, maybe I will give my 6.5-300 a Brown Bear dance. I am certain that if I do, quite a few of you will be interested. And, in the past I know  a number used their 7mm Roys. And. Roy used his .257 on a Cape Buffalo. Well, tune back in towards the fall of 2025 as I may have something interesting to report.

[.257]

I know a guide that guides for brown bear every year. Told me there are more taken every year with a 7mm rem than anything else. That said, l would take the 340 bee