Do bear species affect the choice of .45-70 loads?

Bullet Selection for Black Bears

When hunting black bears, a .45-70 with a 300-grain or 325-grain bullet is suitable for most situations. These heavier bullets provide sufficient kinetic energy to penetrate and expand within the bear’s body, ensuring a quick and humane kill. A flat-point or round-nose bullet can be used for black bears, as their skulls are typically thinner than those of brown bears.

Bullet Selection for Brown and Polar Bears

Brown and polar bears require a more substantial bullet to ensure a reliable kill, especially when hunting in areas with thick hide or muscle mass. A .45-70 with a 350-grain or 400-grain bullet is recommended, as these heavier projectiles can provide the necessary penetration and expansion to reach vital organs. A solid-point or expanding bullet is preferred for brown and polar bears, as their thicker skulls and muscle mass can make a flat-point bullet less effective.

Load Options for .45-70

For hunting elk, a .45-70 load with a 300-grain or 325-grain bullet can be used, but a load with a higher velocity is often preferred to ensure deep penetration and a quick kill. A typical load for elk hunting might include 300-grain bullets with a muzzle velocity of around 2,000 feet per second (fps) and a muzzle energy of approximately 2,500 foot-pounds (ft-lbs). When hunting bears, a heavier load with a 350-grain or 400-grain bullet and a muzzle velocity of around 1,900 fps and a muzzle energy of approximately 2,200 ft-lbs is often recommended.