.357 mag ammo question

[TripleThreat]

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?

I think you missed the point.

[kielbasavw]

I just picked up some .38 cookie cutters.... Bear meat, its what's for dinner

[dougtoni]

Corbon or buffalo bore. Or roll your own. You can make some wicked stuff that way.

[HKMadness]

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.

Agreed.

[scoobyj]

How about S&W .500? Never shot one, but the 44 mag is a handfull!

[timmyb21]

I recommend this ...

QFT, first line of defense, but I would also bring the .357 if it's the best you have. Better than a .22!

[guitargeak99]

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.

[compulsivegunbuyer]

I would carry a 45/70 rifle personally. Charging bear, under stress, a rifle is going to be a bit easier to make a takedown hit with.

[billped]

QFT, first line of defense, but I would also bring the .357 if it's the best you have. Better than a .22!

[Snapping Twig]

When the .357 was introduced @ 1935, it was taken around the world and used to harvest EVERY game animal on the planet.

Granted, the loads they used were more stout than typical factory offerings today, however you can find near duplicate ammo from Buffalo Bore and others.

Realize, shot placement is CRUCIAL, not optional.

Shot placement is king, penetration is queen and all else is angels dancing on the head of a pin.

A monolithic solid - hard cast, solid copper - is most appropriate for penetration, and penetration is what you want for dangerous game.

The .357 is marginal in all but the most capable hands for such game and not advised, but it beats not having anything.

I carry a 44 magnum with home cast 265g SWC's moving @ 1200fps in California bear country. I can control them and they penetrate like you wouldn't believe. Never needed to use them on a bear and hope never to have to, but it's what I carry.

[Socalman]

I am thinking the pepper spray might be the best first line of defense. I am certainly not going into Mr. Grizzley's domain to hunt him; I am respectful of the fact that I would be the intruder. I would rather have a .44 then a .357 at that point, but that just isn't an option. The .357 would certainly be better than a .22 or even the 9mm. I am not going to spend time carrying a rifle. Yeah, the pepper spray will get ordered AND I will check into the Buffalo Bore.

[scarville]

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

When hiking in bear country it may be a good idea to bring along a partner named Otis.

[paul0660]

Question: 7 rounds of .44 or .357 loaded for bear, or 17 rounds of max speed 9mm?

Worse, better, the same?

[The Tiger]

I camped on my motorcycle through Alaska a few summers back. I had a Grizzly come up to my tent and sniff it, with me INSIDE. It left me alone, luckily.

On that trip, I traveled with an 870 and 3" slugs. I didn't need it, glad I had it.

If that bear came in my tent I was getting hurt regardless, but I don't think I would miss my shot.

Don't think the pepper spray is ideal in that situation.

[NorCal Mtn Flyer]

During my time in the AK bush, a 4" Colt Anaconda 44mag is my carry, while a Marlin 1895 guide gun (18.5") 45-70 is the rifle which resides in my aircraft. I know others who will stay out in the bush with less, but this is what I'm comfortable with. Never had to draw on a bear, hope I never have to!

BTW- you can tell the type of bears in an area by their scat... Black bears leave berries and small animals. Grizzlies leave behind little bells and it smells like pepper spray!