WVgoodguy22
Active member
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2019
- Messages
- 398
My youngest brother has an OTC mule deer tag in Idaho, will be using a rifle. We know it can turn into a bear tag. I would like to go, but can't afford a deer tag. I thought about buying a black bear tag instead. I have a .300 WSM on layaway, but it won't be ready for the Oct. 10-18th time frame so I would take my old trusty .270 Win. I know that caliber has taken every big game species via Jack O'Conner and many other hunters, I am just not super sure about my bullet selection. We have been reloading for it for at least a decade or so with a 130 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip in front of 53 grains of IMR 4350. I have only taken a few small whitetails with it (mostly a couple does and a couple spikes that I thought were does, that still taste great) and at short under 100 yards. I am sure if I could find a range big enough I could practice more and push it out to 3-400 yards to at least be proficient with it. But I was thinking of possibly using a hardier bullet in a heavier grain weight (145-150s) for black bear which have thicker fur, more fat and muscle than a whitetail as well as some longer range energy for deer out west. Probably not a necessary expense of $$$ and time redeveloping a load (maybe try 150 grain factory loads?) for something I may not get to do, but I wouldn't mind knowing what more experienced hunters think about going heavier as long as it doesn't sacrifice accuracy. I know nothing can replace time behind the trigger and taking the best humane shot, I am just the curious type and like to learn.