7mm-08 or .308 for black bear

[jmr40]

They are ballistic twins. Use the right bullet in either and no bear will know the difference. It is best to compare sectional densities rather than bullet weight or diameter. A 140 gr 7mm bullet will do anything a 165 gr 308 bullet will do. a 160 gr 7mm bullet will perform exactly like a 180 gr .308 bullet on game and a 175 gr 7mm bullet is comparable to a 200 gr .308 bullet.

 

[doubleh]

I've never killed a black bear but my wife's sister has. A 30-06 put him down right where he was when she shot him. There is little difference in the .308 and 30-06. I have no doubt the 7mm-08 is capable but I would go with the .308 if I were buying. Ammo is plentiful and reasonably priced.

 

[d2wing]

They are ballistic twins. Use the right bullet in either and no bear will know the difference. It is best to compare sectional densities rather than bullet weight or diameter. A 140 gr 7mm bullet will do anything a 165 gr 308 bullet will do. a 160 gr 7mm bullet will perform exactly like a 180 gr .308 bullet on game and a 175 gr 7mm bullet is comparable to a 200 gr .308 bullet.

I don't completely agree. Velocity mass and energy all matter. Bigger and faster is better. But I do agree both are plenty.

 

[entropy]

As many others have already said, either will work. I prefer the 7mm-08 myself.