Bear Defense Handgun Caliber

[JC2020]

I have read frequently about the need for 10mm for bear defense, and I wondered about the data supporting this idea, as I enjoy hiking, and occasionally travel to "bear" country.

I recently came across this article, and it seems to suggest that many calibers are quite effective, with specific data from actual bear encounters over the years.

https://www.ammoland.com/2020/03/update-handgun-or-pistol-against-bear-attack-93-cases-97-effective/

What do you guys think? Is 9mm FMJ as effective as 10mm? I'm certainly more accurate with the former, so YMMV, perhaps.

[Oceanbob]

10 MM Buffalo Bore 220 grain hardcast lead Brinell hardness of 22.

Or Double Tap same thing.

Shoot a bear with 9MM he might get pissed. Hardcast has penetration that you need to cut through skin, muscle, bone and vitals organs.

Bob

[Milsurp1]

Black bear territory or brown bear (grizzly) territory?

[Cunha]

It depends how effective is effective enough for you. Most people think bear spray is enough, with alaskan cops carrying 10mm because they might as well.

Others carry a revolver in .454 casul or better

[k1dude]

Anything is better than a stick.

It also depends on the species of bear. If you need a Black Bear gun, you could probably get away with less. I wouldn't recommend a smaller caliber, but you'd probably be ok with the right loads. The bigger the caliber, the better - as long as you can aim and handle the recoil when shooting rapid fire under pressure.

If you're dealing with Grizzly or big Brown, you better have a bigger gun than when dealing with Black Bear. So you might as well choose a bigger caliber regardless of bear species. Overkill is better than underkill.

I choose a Glock in 10mm for bear defense for the simple reason that's it's tough, light, reliable, weatherproof, controllable, has 16 rounds on board, and is powerful. Especially with hard cast or Xtreme Penetrators.

To me, that's a better trade off than using a very powerful, but heavy revolver with 5 or 6 rounds that's hard to control and shoot fast.

If 9mm is all you have and you're in Black Bear country, I'd at least load it with Xtreme Penetrators. It's better than a stick.

['ol shooter]

Buy and carry a big can of bear spray, I am sick of you idiots asking what caliber to shoot a bear with.

[3006]

Interesting read looks like the 22 is almost as effective as a 357.
I would stick with a 44mag .

[plumbum]

Buy and carry a big can of bear spray, I am sick of you idiots asking what caliber to shoot a bear with.

Look, sometimes bears wear Raiders jerseys and drive Hondas - you never know when you’ll need a “bear gun”!

[NapalmCheese]

Interesting read looks like the 22 is almost as effective as a 357.
I would stick with a 44mag .

Getting shot hurts.

Getting pepper sprayed hurts.

Most things don't like getting hurt.

If a bear is attacking for reasons other than "scared for its life" or "protecting its young" chances are bear spray, a .22, or whatever methods for inflicting pain you have on hand will keep it from mauling you.

Bears rarely hunt people for food. Bears often bluff charge as an act of territoriality or because they are scared. Bear spray is an easily carried, easily deployed, less lethal standoff weapon that can prevent the need to use lethal force.

[drunktank]

OOOHHHH I'm telling!!!

[Kurgan]

Be a man among men.

Carry a spear.

[theduracellbigd]

Buy and carry a big can of bear spray, I am sick of you idiots asking what caliber to shoot a bear with.

I kinda wanted to say that but did not want to waste my time but the troll gods made me come back and see your awesome response. Also OP do not ask childish questions about the 9mm vs 10mm. Lets see boys and girls it goes 9 then 10 , wow ten is bigger. Kinda like asking if you should you get a 289cc v8
or a 454cc v8 to pull a trailer. The 289 might work, but the 454 is better, kinda like 9mm vs 10mm .....boy's and girl's. If your savvy enough to be online and post you better know the answer to these troll questions. Oh and shot placement is paramount......Focker out haha

[rodsvet]

Just be sure you can run faster than the people you are with!

[Haplo]

20mm

[iwant22lr]

Wear bells or jangly things to let them hear you before they see you, bear spray and the largest caliber you are comfortable with/can afford