Black Bear Ammo Choice

[scbauer]

I'm headed out for a short backpacking trip next week and figured I would bring my 340PD in case we have a problem with a bear. I've got two .357 ammo choices in the safe, curious which one you guys think I should bring.

Speer GD 135 gr
Hornady 125 gr




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[God Bless America]

XTP. Has a reputation for deep(er) penetration.

[m98]

Xtp also since those are the only choices

[Jeepergeo]

Either. You are more likey to run into highway robbers than to have an encounter with a black bear that would require use of a firearm.

[Griffdog]

Buffalo Bore 180 gr hard cast......and hold on tight!!

[scbauer]

XTP. Has a reputation for deep(er) penetration.

Thanks guys!

Any thoughts on 135gr vs 125gr?

Also, I can't remember if the Hornady is a short barrel load or not, but since this is going into a 2" snubbie are there concerns about the Hornady not burning fast enough and this not having the same energy as the Speer?

[scbauer]

Thanks guys!

Any thoughts on 135gr vs 125gr?

Also, I can't remember if the Hornady is a short barrel load or not, but since this is going into a 2" snubbie are there concerns about the Hornady not burning fast enough and this not having the same energy as the Speer?

Never mind. Just found this

Hornady: http://m.hornady.com/store/357-Mag-1...itical-Defense

and this

Speer: http://www.speer-ammo.com/ballistics...x?loadNo=23917

Looks like the Hornady is hands-down the winner from a 2" barrel. 400 ft-lbs at the barrel vs 294 from Speer. Done.

[John Joseph]

What on earth do you plan on doing that would offend a black bear? Most black bear I've met on the trail and around camp are benign.

Now the bears above Mammoth Lakes are huge critters for black bears.Huge. If I were to tangle with one, I'd want at least a .44 mag.

[scbauer]

What on earth do you plan on doing that would offend a black bear? Most black bear I've met on the trail and around camp are benign.

Now the bears above Mammoth Lakes are huge critters for black bears.Huge. If I were to tangle with one, I'd want at least a .44 mag.

Eating human food. Cooking human food. Being a human in the bear's habitat.

I don't plan on pissing off a bear, but that doesn't mean we won't stumble upon a bear and her cubs while hiking. It doesn't mean that a big male (like this one I photographed a few years ago) won't smell our dinner and decide to help himself... and we will let him, but if he gets aggressive with us 10 miles from the nearest road, I'd prefer some .357 over yelling and waving my arms.

[John Joseph]

Eating human food. Cooking human food. Being a human in the bear's habitat.

I don't plan on pissing off a bear, but that doesn't mean we won't stumble upon a bear and her cubs while hiking. It doesn't mean that a big male (like this one I photographed a few years ago) won't smell our dinner and decide to help himself... and we will let him, but if he gets aggressive with us 10 miles from the nearest road, I'd prefer some .357 over yelling and waving my arms.

As I suggested, a .44 mag. Even then requires accurate shot placement.

[Sunday]

Bear spray is more fun and not as loud. What would you do with a dead bear in camp?

[cannon]

Bear spray is more fun and not as loud. What would you do with a dead bear in camp?

BBQ?

[scbauer]

Bear spray is more fun

Disagree.

Bear spray is ... not as loud.

Agree, but don't care.

[scbauer]

As I suggested, a .44 mag. Even then requires accurate shot placement.

Since you done like reading original posts, I'll reiterate... I have a .357 revolver that I'm bringing, and I have two (2) choices of ammo. Both are .357. There is no .44 mag choice.

[WMG]

Well since you are determined to limit yourself to only one of those 2 loads , I'd say the XTP ...... or whichever you choose or have the most of or whichever load you want to use up first ......won't make a hill of beans difference one way or another anyhow to be honest.
In your application , one is just as good as the other.
And you've heard the old advice of filing down the front sight I'm sure............