02-28-2020, 10:13 PM
grayfox Wrote:Forgot to add........ it also depends on what your AR "likes" -- if its not the sst, then there are other bullets that will work in place of it. An inaccurate rifle is not much more than a loud tomato stick.
If you're killing an animal in "self-defense" with a rifle and its far enough away that you're concerned about precision accuracy- don't be disappointed when the Game Warden gives you a ticket. I don't think I've ever seen a rifle I couldn't hit a target the size of a bear's brain with at 10 or 15 yards. And when he's charging you- you won't likely have much time to use sights except in passing. Bears can outrun horses on level ground.
If you're thinking black bears and smaller critters- I'd recommend an all copper expanding bullet. If you're thinking of grizzlies with a Grendel, I'd be using an FMJ because the only way you're going to stop it is hitting the brain, breaking the spine, or breaking the shoulder (to slow it down so you can hit the brain or break the spine before it mauls you). Penetration will be the key- not expansion. I'd also be using a higher cap magazine so I could keep pumping rounds into it.
I love my Grendels. However, my bear defense guns are a SRH in .480 Ruger and an 1895M in .450 Marlin. Both are loaded with 400gr or heavier cast lead flat nose bullets. If you don't have a heavier rifle than a Grendel- a 12 gauge with slugs would be a good, low cost choice. You want the right tool for this kind of job.
Be safe out there!
John