Best Calibers for Hunting Black Bears: Comparisons & Picks
From classic deer rifles to thumping big-bores—and even 12-gauge slugs—here’s how to choose for close timber or longer burns.
Black bears are tough, heavily muscled, and often taken in thick cover where shot angles and tracking matter. Ethical shots are typically inside 300 yards (often far closer). Prioritize bullet construction (controlled-expansion or bonded), adequate penetration, and a rifle/shotgun you can shoot accurately. Always verify local regulations on methods, minimum calibers, and bait/hound baiting rules, which vary by state and province.
Caliber Comparisons
| Feature | .308 Winchester | .30-06 Springfield | .45-70 Government | .30-30 Winchester | 12-Gauge Slug |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recoil How much kick you can expect when firing. |
Moderate | Moderate–High | High | Low–Moderate | High |
| Effective Range The distance at which the caliber remains accurate and lethal. |
Up to ~300 yds | Up to ~300+ yds | ~150–200 yds | ~150–200 yds | ~100–150 yds (sabots) |
| Bullet Weight Range The range of bullet weights typically available for the caliber. |
150–180 gr (up to ~200) | 150–220 gr | 300–405+ gr | 150–170 gr | ~437–600 gr (1–1¼ oz) |
| Versatility How well the caliber performs for other game species besides fallow deer. |
Deer, elk, hogs | Deer, elk, moose | Bison, moose, hogs (brush) | Deer, hogs (woods) | Deer (slug-only areas) |
| Ammo Availability How easy it is to find ammunition for the caliber. |
Common | Common | Moderate–Common | Common | Common |
.308 Winchester
A balanced, widely available choice for bait-site or spot-and-stalk bears out to ~300 yards. Accurate, manageable recoil, and tons of factory loads with bonded or monolithic bullets.
Pros
- Excellent accuracy and broad ammo selection
- Moderate recoil aids precise shot placement
- Works in short, handy rifles ideal for timber
Cons
- Less energy than .30-06 at the same ranges
- Heavier 200gr loads are less common
- Not a true “brush buster”—no caliber is
Interesting Fact: Many law-enforcement/military heritage rifles share .308/7.62 NATO lineage, making training ammo and platforms widely available.
Consider this Caliber If…
You want a do-it-all bear/deer rifle with mild manners. Pick 165–180gr bonded or copper bullets for reliable penetration and exit wounds.
.30-06 Springfield
A step up in horsepower with the same bullet diameters as .308, better suited to heavier 180–200+ grain projectiles and slightly more reach for open clear-cuts.
Pros
- Excellent with 180–200gr bonded bullets on big bears
- Flat enough for 300-yard shots when zeroed properly
- Massive rifle and ammo ecosystem
Cons
- More recoil than .308, especially in light rifles
- Long-action rifles can be slightly heavier/longer
- Overkill for close-range small game or practice
Interesting Fact: Over a century old, the .30-06 remains a benchmark for North American big game and still anchors many state “all-around rifle” debates.
Consider this Caliber If…
You hunt mixed terrain where shots could stretch and you want a forgiving energy margin. Recoil-tolerant shooters will appreciate its authority.
.45-70 Government
A hard-hitting big-bore that shines in thick brush and over bait at close to moderate ranges. Heavy, slow bullets punch deep and leave generous blood trails.
Pros
- Tremendous penetration with 300–405gr bullets
- Lever guns are compact and fast-handling
- Excellent performance at bait-site distances
Cons
- Pronounced recoil, especially with hot loads
- Arcing trajectory limits range to ~200 yds
- Ammunition is heavier and pricier per round
Interesting Fact: Modern .45-70 loads far exceed 19th-century ballistics; check your rifle’s action strength and only use loads rated for it.
Consider this Caliber If…
You prioritize decisive close-range performance and like fast-cycling lever guns for follow-ups on tough-angled bear shots.
.30-30 Winchester
The classic woods cartridge that still makes sense for black bears inside ~200 yards when paired with tough, flat-nosed or modern polymer-tipped lever bullets.
Pros
- Low-to-moderate recoil; easy to shoot accurately
- Light, nimble lever guns excel in dense cover
- Modern loads extend reach and improve expansion
Cons
- Limited range and energy compared to .308/.30-06
- Needs premium bullets for best bear penetration
- Tube magazines restrict some bullet shapes
Interesting Fact: The .30-30 has been harvesting North American game for well over a century; improved lever-friendly tipped bullets revitalized it.
Consider this Caliber If…
You hunt thick timber, value quick handling, and plan deliberate, broadside shots inside ~150–175 yards with sturdy bullets.
12-Gauge Slug
In shotgun-only or straight-wall zones, modern sabot slugs in rifled barrels deliver serious bear-stopping authority with practical accuracy to ~150 yards.
Pros
- Massive frontal area and energy at close range
- Legal option where rifles are restricted
- Rifled barrels/scope combos can be very accurate
Cons
- Heavy recoil; slower follow-up shots
- Trajectory drops quickly past ~125–150 yards
- Ammo cost and barrel/sabot compatibility considerations
Interesting Fact: Some slugs are “sabot” designs meant for rifled shotgun barrels; others are rifled slugs for smoothbores—match load to barrel type.
Consider this Caliber If…
You must use a shotgun or prefer one for close-quarter bait-site hunts. Use premium bonded slugs and confirm zero before the season.
Final Picks & How to Choose
For most hunters, .308 Win and .30-06 Springfield balance reach, accuracy, and manageable recoil—run 165–200gr bonded or copper bullets. In tight woods or baited setups, .45-70 Government and .30-30 Win shine for decisive close-range performance. In shotgun zones, quality sabot slugs in a rifled barrel are a proven answer. Whatever you carry, verify local laws, practice from field positions, and choose shot angles that ensure quick, ethical recoveries.