Can an AR-10 Take Down a Black Bear?

Choosing the Right Caliber

When hunting black bears with an AR-10, it’s crucial to select a caliber that can deliver enough kinetic energy to expand and penetrate the animal’s thick hide. A minimum of 300 grains (19.1g) of bullet weight, traveling at 2,500 feet-per-second (762.04 m/s), is recommended for effective bear hunting. Popular calibers for AR-10s include .308 Winchester, .300 AAC Blackout, and .450 Bushmaster.

Shot Placement and Angle

To ensure a quick and humane kill, it’s essential to aim for the heart-lung area, which is located just behind the front leg, and slightly above the ribcage. A clean shot at this location can drop the bear quickly. However, if you miss this spot, aim for the area just behind the shoulder, where the spine and ribs meet. At this location, a well-placed shot can still bring down the bear, albeit with more trauma.

Ballistic Performance and Expansion

When choosing an AR-10 for bear hunting, select a rifle that can deliver consistent ballistic performance, especially at longer ranges. A .308 Winchester, for example, can deliver a 150-grain (9.7g) bullet at 2,700 feet-per-second (823.6 m/s). This velocity, combined with a suitable bullet design, can ensure proper expansion and penetration, making a quick kill more likely. Consider using a rifle with a free-floating barrel and a good scope to compensate for any wind or range factors.