Choose the backup rifle

[Pheroze]

My love/frustrated relationship with my gunsmith continues. I sent back my rifle for a cosmetic issue with the promise I would get it back in time to hunt black bear this spring.

So here I sit looking at the soon-to-be missed dealine, trying to choose between my 375 H&H with 270gr Hornady Interlocks, or a 6.5x55 with 160gr woodleigh weldcore PP. Unfortunately, I don't have time to build new loads.

I will be hunting over bait in a densely forested area. And, I have shot more stuff with the 375.

Which would you choose?

 

[kdenn]

.375H&H because bigger is better, familiarity, bear in heavy forest. go enjoy the hunt knowing you have an excellent cartridge/rifle combination. no worries.

 

[IvW]

You answered yourself.....
375....

 

[Wyatt Smith]

I say the 375.

 

[spike.t]

I would say go out and quickly buy a 9.3x62 as it's an emergency and you need one ...

 

[Pheroze]

I would say go out and quickly buy a 9.3x62 as it's an emergency and you need one ...

There is always such good advice on this forum

9.3x62 or 9.3x64?

 

[Pheroze]

You answered yourself.....
375....

My only hesitation was with the bullets I have for it. I usually use the interlocks for target practice and have never used them on game. But, you are right, I am very familiar with the rifle and cartridge.

 

[spike.t]

There is always such good advice on this forum

9.3x62 or 9.3x64?

Come come you know already I am going to say 9.3x62....

 

[Wyatt Smith]

What range will you be shooting? You probably wouldn’t have to spend to much time working up a new load. That is if you can source the components.
That said the 270 hornandy bullets will probably be fine.

 

[Jörg Krüger]

I would say go out and quickly buy a 9.3x62 as it's an emergency and you need one ...

+1 for this good advice

 

[CAustin]

My love/frustrated relationship with my gunsmith continues. I sent back my rifle for a cosmetic issue with the promise I would get it back in time to hunt black bear this spring.

So here I sit looking at the soon-to-be missed dealine, trying to choose between my 375 H&H with 270gr Hornady Interlocks, or a 6.5x55 with 160gr woodleigh weldcore PP. Unfortunately, I don't have time to build new loads.

I will be hunting over bait in a densely forested area. And, I have shot more stuff with the 375.

Which would you choose?

Absolutely the 375

 

[Shootist43]

Pheroze, as much as I tout the use of a 6.5 X 55 Swede, given the quarry and the options you mentioned, I'd go with the 375 H&H. You just may be lucky and run across a "big" bear.

 

[meigsbucks]

The .375. Some time in the mid 1980’s I shot an elk using the 270 gr Hornady at about 175 yds. The bullet took out a shoulder and made exit. Take from that what you will. For black bear, I think you should be fine.

 

[Newboomer]

375 hands down. Good for anything that walks and bear can be tricky in thick cover.

 

[IvW]

Yip as great as the 6.5x55 is I would not want that in my hands following up....

 

[Boyd Brooks]

My Ontario black bear hunts have all been over bait. I have taken them with a 50cal TC, 358 Norma and even my 416 Taylor. The best part is no tracking required! I like the bigger is better approach, it has always worked well for me.
Good luck!

 

[WAB]

I’ve shot quite a few bear with my .375 using 270 gr A-Frames. No muss, no fuss, just a dead bear.

 

[Letzhunt]

I tend to use the 375 even when not needed just because......It helps me justify owning one when truly its not needed on most game outside African DG. I have even shot deer with larger big bores just to add something to the hunt. Black bear are not hard to kill but a bigger hole means more blood. Black bear have that long hair and a fat layer that soak up blood and the hole seals up. They can be struck well but not bleed for several yards or more. The dense cover they are found in can make it difficult to find a dead bear. killing is one thing finding it afterwards even with a good shot can be troubling. Bears run because they don't know they are dead yet. The larger caliber gives you a better chance of recovery more than better odds of a kill.

 

[YancyW]

I would use this unfortunate circumstance to buy a new rifle, but it force to choose, I would clearly take the 375. I no issues with the interlock bullets, they aren't AFrames or TSXs, but they are a pretty well made bullet.

 

[Pheroze]

Terrific, thanks, guys. The vote was not even close!

I am going to take the morning off work and pop out to the range tomorrow with a newfound sense of purpose!! (It's good to be the boss!)