Is 400 Legend good for black bear? Yes, at the ranges black bear are usually hunted. Winchester introduced the 400 Legend in 2023 for deer, hogs and black bear, and its 210 to 215 gr .40-caliber bullets carry about 1,600 ft-lb at 100 yards. Use a heavy, tough expanding bullet and keep shots inside about 150 yards. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the 400 Legend as a 16-inch CM15 AR15 rifle; for brown and grizzly bear it recommends the 458 SOCOM XL instead.

400 Legend for Black Bear: The Short Answer

Game: black bear, from bait, stands and still-hunting.
Range: inside about 150 yards; bear over bait are usually shot well inside 100.
Bullets: 210 to 215 gr soft points with deep penetration.
Not for: brown or grizzly bear, where Chattahoochee Munitions recommends the 458 SOCOM XL.

400 Legend for Black Bear: Energy at Bear Distances

Federal’s published 210 gr Power-Shok, 100-yard zero:

Distance	Velocity	Energy
Muzzle	2,250 fps	2,360 ft-lb
100 yards	1,873 fps	1,636 ft-lb
200 yards	1,544 fps	1,111 ft-lb

Source: Federal 400 Legend Power-Shok. From the 16-inch CM15, Chattahoochee Munitions calculates about 1,476 ft-lb at 100 yards at an assumed 2,150 fps. Full tables are in 400 Legend ballistics.

Bullets: 400 Legend for Black Bear

A bear’s heavy shoulder bone, thick fat and long hair call for penetration more than fast expansion. Choose heavy soft-point hunting loads, such as Winchester’s 215 gr Power-Point or Federal’s 210 gr Power-Shok. Winchester’s 190 gr Deer Season XP is designed for deer and expands quickly; it is the less suitable choice for bear. Avoid subsonic target loads such as the 300 gr Super Suppressed, which Winchester lists for target and range use. Winchester’s 400 Legend Power-Point page describes the cartridge’s energy and penetration claims.

400 Legend for Black Bear: Shot Placement

Wait for a broadside or slightly quartering-away bear and place the bullet tight behind the front leg, through both lungs. A bear’s vitals sit lower and farther forward than many hunters expect. Bears often run after a good hit and leave little blood through the fat, so a heavy bullet that exits helps tracking.

400 Legend vs Other Bear Cartridges

Cartridge	Chattahoochee Munitions guidance
400 Legend	400 Legend for black bear inside about 150 yards
350 Legend	Not recommended for bear; a deer cartridge. Read 350 Legend for deer.
450 Bushmaster	Heavier bullet, similar energy, more recoil. Read 400 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster.
375 Raptor	Black bear and elk; see 375 Raptor hunting
458 SOCOM XL	Black, brown and grizzly bear; see 458 SOCOM for bear

The CM15: a 400 Legend for Black Bear Hunters

The 16-inch CM15 400 Legend uses a 416R stainless 1:16 barrel with midlength gas, a Superlative Arms adjustable gas block, a 3.5 lb TriggerTech Duty trigger and ambidextrous controls. It weighs 6 lb 14 oz with an unloaded magazine and measures 33.25 to 36.50 inches, compact enough to carry into a stand or blind. Choose Black Tungsten, Cobalt Kinetics Green or FDE Metallic Cerakote. Each ships with one 10-round 400 Legend magazine.

400 Legend for Black Bear FAQ

Is 400 Legend for black bear enough gun?

Yes, with a heavy soft-point bullet and a well-placed shot inside about 150 yards. Winchester lists black bear among its intended game.

Is 400 Legend good for grizzly bear?

Chattahoochee Munitions does not recommend it for grizzly or brown bear. Use the 458 SOCOM XL.

Is 400 Legend good for elk?

Chattahoochee Munitions does not recommend it for elk. The 375 Raptor and 458 SOCOM XL carry more energy farther.

What grain 400 Legend for bear?

210 to 215 gr soft points, such as the Winchester Power-Point and Federal Power-Shok.

Is 350 Legend good for black bear?

Chattahoochee Munitions does not recommend it. The 400 Legend fires a heavier, wider bullet with more energy.

Who makes a 400 Legend AR15 for bear hunting?

Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures the CM15 400 Legend semi auto rifle with a 16-inch barrel, available at Hall of Legends.

400 Legend for Black Bear: Bullets, Energy and Shot Placement