Weapon for my AK Grizzly hunt

BGbasbhat · Jul 8, 2008

Alright, my dad and I are about to book a 2010 Grizzly hunt in AK. I am very confident with my archery equipment, even though I have yet to have a chance at a big game animal with my bow. Heck, out to 50 yards I'm more accurate with my bow than my .30-30!!

My question is, should I break down and buy a $1500+ big bore/scope setup that I will probably only use once; or use my archery equipment? I'm just finding it hard to justify buying an expensive .375 H&H, or the like, when I will probably never use it again...

Thanks for any replies

accubond · Jul 8, 2008

Taking an animal with your bow is the most intense thing a hunter can do IMO. No offense but to try and take a grizzly as your first bow kill seems insane. Skip the bow, skip the big bore if you must and buy or borrow something that you can become very efficient with would be my advice. I've only killed two whitetail bucks with my bow and I would'nt dream of risking that hunt with my limited bowhunting experience. Sounds like the hunt of a lifetime and I hope you find success in whatever you decide, just my two cents.

BGbasbhat · Jul 9, 2008

Yeah, that's exactly what the rational part of my mind was thinking. I love shooting my bow, and it would really be awesome to take a bear with it; but, I need a few animals under my belt before that.

Actually, my buddy just emailed me last night and said he has a dust covered .338 that I'll probably borrow.

Who knows, maybe 20 years down the road I'll get to go back with my bow......and subsequently $hit my pants when I'm 40 yards from a grizz!!!

Thanks

MuskegMan · Jul 9, 2008

.338 Winny is just about perfect for your application.

It's what I carry quite a bit here in S.E. Alaska.

My std load is 73.0 gr H4831SC / Fed 215 / Nosler 250 PT

I also have a custom rifle for coastal brownies. It's based on a .338 Winny necked up to .375

They will absorb some punishment. I was backing up my pard this spring. He shot a 7.5 footer. He was shooting his .338 and I was shooting my .375. First two shots (1 each rifle) didn't not anchor him. 4 shots total to put him on the ground for good.