7MM Rem Mag for hiking in Grizzly Country?

Posted by ColdWarthog9918@reddit | Firearms | View on Reddit | 39 comments

I’m planning on doing some hiking in grizzly bear country. Currently the only gun I own that could (probably?) stop a grizzly from killing me is a Remington 783 in 7mm Rem Mag. Is that enough? Assuming I’m mostly relying on being smart and avoiding a dangerous encounter. I do realize it’s not the ideal choice but since I already own it, I thought maybe it could do the job. Or am I underestimating the seriousness of this hypothetical situation? For people who have some experience with this what do you think? I’ve only ever run into black bears where I live. Thanks!

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AP587011B@reddit

I would just carry bear spray and some sort of handgun

At least 10mm or 357 mag is ideal in my opinion. Good excuse to get one or the other if you don’t have already

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ColdWarthog9918@reddit (OP)

Thanks! Sounds like the most practical approach

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Speck72@reddit

Almost 40 years in Alaska. Yes, 7mm Rem Mag is enough for bears. More important is can you get it around in time to stop a charging bear. A rifle is not my preferred "defense" gun as it's extra length, weight, and time to shoulder. Sure a rifle has better range but if it's not charging nor about to, why would you shoot? Lot's more folks carry 10mm pistol (generally glock) or 454 / 44 adjacent revolvers as that is a lot faster from a chest harness. The Mossberg with a pistol grip was our RV gun and stayed that way particularly after Mom found herself about 10ft from a bear in the campsite!

Depending on what "bear country hiking" you are doing, your best bet is to make some noise while you head down the trail, the commentor who suggested bells is spot on. Stay out of their food patches and if you hear or see them make MORE noise and go the other way. If you are doing anything with food keep it in a ziplock or better air tight container when not actively eating it, particularly if resting or overnighting.

Remember, they are killing machines and we are soft fleshy snacks.

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ColdWarthog9918@reddit (OP)

Thanks! Really appreciate the insight! This is going to be some day hiking in Montana, likely in the fall or winter.

My understanding is that grizzly/brown bears don’t truly hibernate? Is that right? I read that somewhere.

I grew up and live in Florida, our black bears never hibernate since there’s no winter haha.

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Speck72@reddit

Heck yeah, you're gonna have a blast. Are you in established trails or going to noans land? Take tons of photos! Going with friends?

Check out the BLM station nearest where you will be hiking, give em a call and literally ask the pros. They love chatting and get paid for it. The rangers near me WISH folks like you would give a ring or shoot an email.

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ColdWarthog9918@reddit (OP)

I’m going with one friend. So thankfully I won’t be alone! I think we’ll be sticking to established trails. I used to hunt a lot in Florida and spent many hours trudging through the swamps at night, but after a recent trip to Utah and seeing the western landscape I’m hooked. It’s a whole another world out there compared to here!

That’s great to know about the BLM stations. I’ll definitely give them a call!

Alaska is definitely on the list of places to see someday.

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Speck72@reddit

I'll take the mountains over the swamps any day! I got all sorts of poison something or other during my only visit to swamp land that left me miserable for weeks.

If you come up to the Interior area reach out, we can hit some trails or grab lunch somewhere.

Enjoy your trip.

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ColdWarthog9918@reddit (OP)

Appreciate it! Thanks!

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njmids@reddit

Bells do nothing. Talking is much more effective.

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Speck72@reddit

Sure, but on an 8 hour solo hike bells continue making noise when you aren't rambling to yourself.

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njmids@reddit

Hiking bells are too quiet and not distinctly human enough to do anything. It’s security theater.

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Speck72@reddit

Alright, JBL blasting fetty wap it is.

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According_Loss_1768@reddit

Are you hiking trails or Backcountry? In some states, the mere presence of a rifle on you in forests can get you arrested for poaching so make sure to look up your local laws.

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ColdWarthog9918@reddit (OP)

Probably trails. That’s a very good point, I’ll have to check into the legality.

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eatmybeer@reddit

It would be plenty of rifle for protection. Open sights or scoped? Target acquisition would be better with open sights.

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efjoker@reddit

Grizzly bear shit smells like pepper and has bells in it. Firearm is the only option for a determined grizzly.

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jfl561407@reddit

Hang some bells on ur pack or walking sticks. Make lots of noise while hiking. You’d never get that rifle shouldered and be able to make a real shot on a charging bear. The bells let them know ur coming and they’ll just leave. Bears generally don’t want to encounter you either and would prefer to put distance between you. Attacks occur when you surprise them. Carry bear spray if you’re really worried.

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mantawolf@reddit

Yea, from what I have read, black bears are an extremely rare encounter if you are doing the safe things like using bells. And bear spray in studies is shown to be more effective in an adrenaline situation.

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njmids@reddit

It’s not. Guns are significantly more effective against a charging bear.

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Technical-Earth-3254@reddit

Have a read yourself: doi

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njmids@reddit

That study is not about the effectiveness of bear spray or fire arms in self defense against an aggressive bear.

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njmids@reddit

Bells do nothing, just talk as you hike.

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Idlikethatneat@reddit

The sound of bells does not carry and will only annoy your hiking partners. Voices can be heard much much further. Talking to yourself or shouting an occasional “hey bear” is a much better approach.

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No_Mathematician764@reddit

7mm will kill a grizzly, but fish and game will think you're hunting. bear spray, large caliber pistols or revolvers, 357,10mm, 44 magnum. If you are female and its around thom, bear and mountain lions are attracted to the scent. Please be safe, hike in groups, let someone know your route and time of departure and return.

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ColdWarthog9918@reddit (OP)

Thanks! I didn’t consider the fish and game, that’s a good point.

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ardesofmiche@reddit

Bear bells and a can of bear spray is a better choice than a bolt action hunting rifle

Make noise while you’re walking, don't hang around animal carcasses, have bear spray accessible

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rofl_pilot@reddit

Bear spray is the real answer. It has significantly better outcomes in most encounters. It’s also relatively cheap and readily available.

That said, I always carry a firearm as a backup to spray. Specifically a 10mm pistol with heavy hard cast ammunition.

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njmids@reddit

It does not. It’s only effective 33% of the time against a charging grizzly.

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ZeroPointSpecter@reddit

Bear spray is typically more effective and safer than a rifle for most hikers. After that, I'd rather carry a pistol. They are easier to carry and access quickly, and a 10mm will drop most bears pretty quickly. 9mm can work, but gives you less margin for error. If you’re stuck with a 9mm in bear country, use hard-cast flat-nose +P ammo. No hollow points.

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ColdWarthog9918@reddit (OP)

Thanks, I didn’t even consider the 9mm but I guess the right ammo makes a big difference. Definitely much more comfortable to carry than a rifle. I had doubts about bear spray but a lot of people seem to have tried it and had success.

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ZeroPointSpecter@reddit

A well-placed 9mm beats a missed rifle shot 7 days a week. But yes, ammo type is key.

Avoid anything designed to expand quickly. It won't penetrate far enough to do real damage. With a 9mm, the smartest move is max penetration ammo.

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ColdWarthog9918@reddit (OP)

I heard about that guy. That story is what made think about packing the rifle. I certainly have the bear spray as an option. Thanks for the advice on the ammo!

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Mista_Phista@reddit

I have 7rmg mag and it's a wonderful and reliable cartridge. Ammo can be kind of a pain so I'd stick up when you see it on sale.

For grizzly hunting I'd say sure. For defense id personally carry around a 45-70 and 10mm/44mag and even then just try to be aware of my surroundings

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ColdWarthog9918@reddit (OP)

Thanks!

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Idlikethatneat@reddit

Make noise and carry bear spray or a pistol. Be bear aware, not bear afraid.

Slips, trips, and falls are more likely to kill you in rough terrain. My hunting rifle lives on my pack, my .44 on my chest, and trekking poles in my hands.

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ColdWarthog9918@reddit (OP)

Thanks! That is a very true point. I’ve definitely been spending too much thought on the potential of bear danger.

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