.45 vs. .357 Mag

[JohnZ]

Im debating which caliber to bring as my back up weapon when I go deer hunting this year. I would either borrow my uncle's colt commander or a smith & wesson .357 mag. I like the .45 because I can do quicker follow up shots, but I think .357 would have better penetration. This is only a back up, in case I run into a black bear and I run out of bullets for my rifle (marlin 30-30).

[Army GI]

I like the .45 ACP too, but I don't hear too much about it being used for hunting like it's older brother the 45 Colt. The 357 magnum is always talked about as a great woods caliber.

[AJD]

If it's for a potential run in with a Black Bear, then by all means the .357 Mag loaded with a minimum of a 180gr bullet. On two legged critters, the .45 would offer better expansion and ample penetration for that scenario, but I'm not sure it has the sectional density needed to penetrate against thicker skinned, larger boned 4 legged critters. I personally would look at buffalo bore's 180gr hard cast loadings which are pretty hot. Corbon also makes a 200gr hardcast that should offer deep pentration which is what you would want on a large 4 legged creature. Or you if you reload you can pick your poison in the heavy weight bullets.

[HondaMasterTech]

10 mm might be a good choice.

[Army GI]

10 mm might be a good choice.

True, but that is not one of the options available to the OP.

[BigDogatPlay]

If your potential threat is a bear go with the magnum. As heavy a bullet weight as you can find, preferably either a JSP or a solid. A .41 or .44 Mag would be a far better choice, but they apparently aren't available to you.

You can't stoke a .45 ACP hot enough to be considered as reliable bear medicine. Yes it might work, but the odds are pretty good that it won't.

[JohnZ]

It seems the .357 would be the better choice. Are there any other ammo options besides buffalo bore that I should consider?

[maschronic]

for deer hunting....between 357 or 45, i would go with 45 because of the follow up shot.

[BigDogatPlay]

Winchester makes a 180 grain hunting round, as one alternative. It uses a partition type bullet so it will expand, not sure how it will penetrate.

You'll probably get better effect with the Buffalo Bore round. Just be sure and practice a few rounds with it before you have to count on it because it is a stiff load pushing a 180 grain pill at 125 grain velocities... 1500 fps +.

[AJD]

It seems the .357 would be the better choice. Are there any other ammo options besides buffalo bore that I should consider?

I think federal makes a 180gr hardcast bullet as well and of course the Corbon 200gr HC(Corbon may even have a 180gr...not 100% sure). Also, I believe Grizzly ammo makes some hardcast heavyweight bullets that are loaded pretty warm. Winchester makes a 180gr partition gold HP that is pretty good, but they're very hard to find and I'm not sure I would want a HP if I was looking for all-out penetration in a Bear defense situation. It is a great deer/hog hunting bullet from what I've heard though. Good luck.

[Army GI]

Don't forget Double Tap Ammo:

158gr 357 Mag

180gr 357 Mag

200gr 357 Mag

[Rob454]

Wait a minute. What do you have in your hand when youre deer hunting? A dammned rifle thats what. I used to carry a 44 magnum for back up. I never had to pull it out. Youll have plenty of time if you see a bear. A rifle will drop that bear faster than anything else. There was only one time when i had to draw on a bear. This black bear and he must of had a little grizzly in him cause he had one heck of a hump and walked with that wobble grizzlys have. the closest he got to me was abtou 40 yards. My 30-06 woudl of dropped that thing before he woudl of said ROAR once.
If those are your only choices take the 357 mag but to tell you the truth i take a .45. i dont care how freaking tough the bear is i never saw a bear that can stand 7-10 .45 cal bullets.
In order for you to USE the back up gun you have to sling or drop your rifle ( well if youre french like i am you would drop it) to get to the back up gun. A bear will never surprise you ( unless youre completely day dreaming and paying absolutely no attention to anything then youre not really hunting). its not liek bears sit there waiting hiding behind a tree waiting fo ryou to walk by so they can jump out and say Boo. All the times ive been hunting i think i only saw 5 bears. And this was in bear country. They mostly run away when they hear you coming anyway. bears usually liek most animals want nothing to do with humans
Rob

[B Strong]

Between the two, for a dangerous animal piece, the .357 hands down.

Buffalo Bore carries heavy .357 rounds, and if you don't reload, I recommend them 100%.

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=20

Im debating which caliber to bring as my back up weapon when I go deer hunting this year. I would either borrow my uncle's colt commander or a smith & wesson .357 mag. I like the .45 because I can do quicker follow up shots, but I think .357 would have better penetration. This is only a back up, in case I run into a black bear and I run out of bullets for my rifle (marlin 30-30).

[tankerman]

10 mm might be a good choice.

What's the point of your comment? 41mag, 44mag, 454, 460, 480, 500 etc... they're all as good and most are better than 10mm....this thread is not about 10mm.

[nosmatt]

lol

black bears are sissies. you will never have to shoot a black bear, unless you are in Yosemite, and have a pack of bologna wrapped around your neck.


for black bears, your side arm needs to be a low, quiet "hey, go away!" and he/she will run like hell.