.357 mag ammo question

[Socalman]

This summer we will spend some time in Grizzley country. A few years back I carried my Ruger GP100 with 180grain loads "just in case." Never needed it. I would feel a little more comfortable with a heavier load. Does anyone know of a heavier factory load like, perhaps 200 grain for the 357? I would be buying only a box or 2 to practice, then be "loaded for bear" when the time comes.

Not interested in spending the money and time getting the .45acp with a nice heavy load so don't waste your time.

[Oceanbob]

While I think a .357 mag revolver is marginal for Bear, this ammo would be one to consider.

http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_27&products_id=337&osCsid=k16n6i0q3vholpvorfgjoisdt5

[HskrVern]

I just saw some HSM ammo "bear" loads at Cabela's a week ago also, 180gr fodder.

http://store.thehuntingshack.com/hsm357magnum180grbearload.aspx

[ckprax]

I would consider a larger caliber for grizzly but if you are set on using .357 factory ammo than buffalo bore is what you want.

[glockman19]

+1 for .44mag for bear

[Freq18Hz]

.357 not bear appropriate.

Was in a shop the other day where a guy was talking about dumping 4 rounds of .44 mag into a bear, and it ran off.

Not sure any handgun is big enough, even a .454 casull. That would be my choice for a handgun, would rather have a 45-70.

-Freq

[003]

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=100

If you are set on using a .357, Buffalo Bore is the only way to go.

[guitargeak99]

Corbon also has some heavy loads in .357:
PENETRATOR 200 & 180 gr hardcast

[anothergunnut]

Just remember to file down your front site. That way, it won't hurt so much when the bear shoves the pistol up your...

Sorry, I have nothing to contribute but I couldn't resist!

[billped]

I recommend this ...

[ClarenceBoddicker]

KTW & aim for the heart or brain.

[TripleThreat]

My hunting friend told me this "Bring a 357 Magnum to a Bear fight, the first five rounds are for the Bear".

But who knows what todays ammo is capable of. I'd take the 44 in a heart beat.

[jswr450]

I just saw some HSM ammo "bear" loads at Cabela's a week ago also, 180gr fodder.

http://store.thehuntingshack.com/hsm...rbearload.aspx

I have some of this. it's hard cast I think.

That's what I use when I'm hiking around bear country. Never used it though. Seems like it's your best shot in 357 if you don't have the proper gun.

[TripleThreat]

A 357 Magnum is a very, very powerful round.

I'm fascinated that the cranium of a large Bear is so well protected that a 357 would not penetrate it's skull. Is that crazy or what? I recall hearing a 357 would go through 7 refrigerators or something like that.

[Fjold]

A 357 Magnum is a very, very powerful round.

I'm fascinated that cranium of a large Bear is so well protected that a 357 would not penetrate it's skull. Is that crazy or what. I recall hearing a 357 would go through 7 refrigerators or something like that.

Do you think that you are going to get a lot of time to aim at a bear's head when it's running 30 MPH toward you over rough ground?




For handguns in bear country you want a lightweight 22 rimfire.




Shoot your hiking partner in the knee and then run like hell.