Reasonably Decent Bear Protection In A Handgun






don't think a 44 mag, if properly hand loaded,( proper shot placement and a knowledge of games anatomy is critical) :like:
is as under powered as some people who own the larger magnum revolvers would have you believe,
while its certainly true that cartridges like the 454 casull, 480 ruger, 460 and 500 S&W mags have more power,
there, comes a point in any hunt where your shot placement and knowledge of the games anatomy ,
and your skill at getting in close to the game, and making a precise shot, will do you more good than increased power!

.44 mag

grumpy whats the difference between .44 magnum & .44 special also I was looking at a .357 kit for my glock model 27 to have 2 guns in one but understand it is a different round than my S&W .357 mag?
garage.grumpysperformance.com

44 mag reload info

the 44 spc is over 115 years old its designed in 1907, to accurately throw a 240 grain bullet at about 760 fps from a 6"-7.5" original, barrel length revolver, with a max pressure level of 15,000 psi,thus its a bit less powerful in original factory loaded form that the more common originally...
garage.grumpysperformance.com
a few links that may prove helpful

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

http://www.nosler.com/load-data/

https://www.starlinebrass.com/

http://www.speer-bullets.com/products/reloading_manual/

http://www.accuratepowder.com/load-data/

http://www.barnesbullets.com/information/load-data/

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/

http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/

https://www.dillonprecision.com/

https://www.federalpremium.com/reloading/primers/
 
Last edited:
old joke how do you prevent bear attacks :facepalm:

ANSWER ,
WEAR BELLS ON YOUR BACK PACK , SO YOU WON/T ACCIDENTALLY SNEAK UP ON AND SCARE A BEAR<AND CARRY BEAR SPRAY

HOW DO YOU KNOW BEARS ARE IN THE AREA
ANSWER ,
LOOK FOR BEAR CRAP,
BLACK BEAR CRAP HAS BERRIES AND FISH SCALES< OCCASIONALLY CANDY WRAPPERS
GRIZZLY BEAR CRAP< FREQUENTLY SMELLS LIKE PEPPER SPRAY AND HAS BITS OF CHEWED BELLS
& torn clothes IN IT

7e3c2548801897a4785749c0b4dd3633.jpg


 
Last edited:
carrying a mag revolver handgun or shotgun or something like,
a 450 marlin or 45/70 makes a lot of sense if you want decent bear defense
but if you use revolvers or any handgun, reasonably heavy for caliber, hard cast bullets,
pushed to the max safe velocity for the handgun are required to maximize deep penetration.
it should be obvious that a 6"-10" barrel length provides higher velocity and a better sight radius
as always you better have extensive practice, and have the skills to make accurate,
and ideally rapid repeated shot placement and a knowledge of bear anatomy
every choice you make is ALWAYS, a compromise in several areas!

or you might want to duplicate my approach carry a 340 wby or 375 H&H carbine and a heavy caliber revolver on most hunts,
no you don't need that power level but its nice to have if you ever need it
if I was asked to pick the two best elk hunting cartridges,
it a very easy choice
, the 340 weatherby and 375 H&H easily fill that need amazingly well.
in the list of cartridges best suited to that usage,
but I've seen the 30/06 , 358 win,35 whelen, and 45/70 take a couple pick-p loads of elk.

Looking For A Decent Cartridge And Rifle Combo In A Deer/elk Rifle

Id point out right up front, that we all, have preferences based on our personal experience's and it's a fact that most centerfire cartridges used by a consistently accurate shot, who understands a cartridges limitation can make a rifle so chambered work well, in most areas. but there are...
garage.grumpysperformance.com
especially if the heavier bullet weights are used,
the 225-250 weight 338 projectiles in the 340wby
and the 270-300 grain weight 375 projectiles work flawlessly, ON ELK, many times having impressive one shot kills
even out at ranges of 250-300 yards
Sako-AV-Mannlicher-375-HandH-w-Burris-1-3-4-5x20_101001625_9139_F2E028F1D8453C27.JPG

Shotguns For Home Defense

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4FESGjiH3s&t=24s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddvkPIh0z3U nothing you can easily find or use from point blank out to about under about 25 yards, for home defensive use, beats a 10-12 ga buckshot loaded riot gun, in lethality on human opponents with an upper...
garage.grumpysperformance.com
 
Last edited:

some people have stated that BEAR SPRAY, is a "very effective repellent"
personally I think both options have merit, under most conditions but there's no doubt,
a decent handgun , in skilled hands can kill or totally break down a bear physically,
thus making the attack far less likely to proceed. (yes there are potential legal issues)
while bear spray relies on causing the aggressive bears pain, to dissuade him.
which use of in some cases has caused an aggressive bear to attack

 
Last edited:
a great example of why you don't select and use smaller caliber semi auto handguns,
on larger game for effective defense,
if this guy gets that result on what appears to be a 45lb-60lb hog,
just imagine how useless it would be on a pissed off 350lb-600lb bear
,if your forced to shoot it with that handgun, at point blank range!
now I don't know the caliber but I suspect it's a 9mm.
yeah the shots will likely eventually prove to be lethal,
but in the meantime that hog or bear could do a great deal of damage to your anatomy,
or be lost, far further away than you might imagine in the brush.

I had a friend get 35 plus stitches in his legs from a hog he shot with a 9mm handgun
loaded with 115 grain hollow points, he shot it over 8 times before and after it knocked him off his feet
his buddy killed the hog with a 12 ga. shotgun , loaded with #6 birdshot fired into the hogs head at less than 3 feet
they were out bird hunting and never intended or expected to be charged by a pissed off hog
 
Last edited:

445 dan wesson revolvers

YOULL NEED TO SHOOT A GREAT DEAL TO GET THE NECESSARY PRACTICE, its that frequent practice and hand loading that significantly reduces ammo cost, THAT MAKES THE 445 REALLY EFFECTIVE IN YOUR HANDS, CASTING YOUR OWN BULLETS SIZED EXACTLY TO THE THROAT/BORE SIZE HELPS, AS DOES THE COST SAVINGS...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

1/2in holes!

I always heard anything worth putting a hole into, is worth putting a big hole in! Local gun store had this XIX brushed chrome Desert Eagle in .50AE for a price i could not pass up.
garage.grumpysperformance.com
 
Last edited:

445 dan wesson revolvers

YOULL NEED TO SHOOT A GREAT DEAL TO GET THE NECESSARY PRACTICE, its that frequent practice and hand loading that significantly reduces ammo cost, THAT MAKES THE 445 REALLY EFFECTIVE IN YOUR HANDS, CASTING YOUR OWN BULLETS SIZED EXACTLY TO THE THROAT/BORE SIZE HELPS, AS DOES THE COST SAVINGS...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

just a bit of info, if you think you might have to deal with a pissed off bear,
carry a heavy caliber rifle (45/70 with 400 grain hard cast or a 338-375 H&H )
or a 12 ga or 10 ga, shotgun loaded with slugs,
a handgun is noticeably less lethal or accurate in most peoples hands
, but if you carry a handgun (JUST IN CASE) Id suggest a 44mag as a minimum,
but yes the 10mm has a lot of fans.
keep in mind bears come in different sizes and temperaments, and every year people are fatally mauled or even eaten
if you use a handgun for bear defense it better be able to get the job done and push those bullets through a significant depth of hide, muscle and bone even before it destroys the vitals or your likely to get mauled

once most people come to realize that with any of the newer large bore revolvers in the 44 cal-50 caliber range,
it's more a matter of selecting the correct projectile and handload data required, and the skill and restraint in not using a handgun untill your well withing the range where the experience and skill of the hunter allows precise shots to be made consistently,
and the need for consistent and accurate shot placement and a good knowledge of the games anatomy and skeletal and muscular structure
( where the vitals are located and what is critical , thus, knowing what must be destroyed structurally)
and which vital organs are most easily and rapidly destroyed , and how to reach them from externally,identifiable anatomy and the location and angles to reach the vitals internally,to render the game rapidly immobile and having rapidly caused lethal internal damage)
most of us find that the power levels available from a quality ,properly loaded revolver (or in some cases semi auto handgun) are more than adequate in the depth of potential penetration and potential accuracy.
the issue is not in the weapons power or accuracy its mostly in the skill, practice and accuracy the operator can provide in the use of such weapons and in the restrain he shows in only using it once well within the weapons effective range.
facing the fact that even the AFRICAN big five are reasonable easy to kill with archery equipment in highly skilled hands , points out the overwhelming
improved range, power and accuracy a hunter has at his disposal if a handgun, properly loaded and well within its physical and its operator's limitations are used.
Ive used a 44 mag revolver to kill elk out at 70 yards and had the projectiles exit the far side of the elks chest, so lack of power with the larger and more powerful handguns is not an issue.
I've done a few penetration tests in stacked plywood and the 320 grain hard cast bullets from a properly loaded 445 DWSM penetrate extremely well, now there's zero doubt a 470 grain hard cast 50 caliber bullet from my 500 S&W mag packs a considerably harder impact , but the 445 DWSM penetrates about as deep.
both easily exceed what a 357 mag or 10mm semi auto provide in penetration,
but the fact is that even the 357 mag and 10mm have proven lethal to bears when used in skilled hands,
but even a 500 mags power numbers looks pitiful if your facing a pissed off bear at less than 20 feet
 so again its your butt, if you can't shoot well under stress and only precise shot placement matters ,
you can't miss fast enough, to stop a pissed off bear thus mag capacity is not all that critical if you can't hit the vitals well.
especially when your realize the very limited time frame it takes a pissed off bear to reach you from less than 50 deet or so!
if you do the math the 445 DWSM from my 10" barrel has near 1500 fps and that translated to near 1600 ft lbs at the muzzle
if you do the math the 500 S&W from my 7.5" barrel has near 1400 fps and that translated to near 2050 ft lbs at the muzzle
if you do the math the 10mm glock with a 200 grain hard cast, bullet from my 6" barrel has near 1240 fps,
and that translated to near 683 ft lbs at the muzzle
(btw a 158 grain hard cast 357 mag from my 8" revolver shows it has 690 ft lbs at the muzzle)
BTW if anyone cares
if you do the math the 44 S&W mag throws the 300 grain hard cast bullet from my 10" barrel has near 1400 fps,
and that translated to near 1300 ft lbs at the muzzle, and yes it shot completely thru an elks chest,
and bunches of hogs and deer over the decades
and its killed deer at 80-110 yards several Times with one shot, so it's well proven to be lethal on big game
and while the 44 mag seems to be close to the 445 DWSM in power on paper,
the penetration in plywood shows the 445 simply punches noticeably deeper,
not that it might matter much as I've stated the 44 mag shoots through and elk and exits

Id damn sure prefer either revolver over any semi auto 10mm or 45 acp if facing down a pissed off bear regardless of the semi auto
handguns far larger mag capacity

Bullet Design Details | Accurate Molds

accuratemolds.com accuratemolds.com

Bullet Design Details | Accurate Molds

www.accuratemolds.com www.accuratemolds.com

Bullet Design Details | Accurate Molds

www.accuratemolds.com www.accuratemolds.com
www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Double Cavity Mold C430-310-RF

Double Cavity Mold C430-310-RF by LEE RELOADING PRODUCTS430 Grain 310 Grain Round with Flat Requires Gas Check handles and sprue plate are included with mold
www.midsouthshooterssupply.com www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Bullet Design Details | Accurate Molds

www.accuratemolds.com www.accuratemolds.com
www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Double Cavity Mold C501-440-RF

Double Cavity Mold C501-440-RF by LEE RELOADING PRODUCTS.501 Diameter 440 Grain Round with Flat Requires Gas Check Handles and sprue plate are included with mold. Produces a .501 diameter 440 grain round nose bullet suitable for a cartridge like 500 S&W.
www.midsouthshooterssupply.com www.midsouthshooterssupply.com
www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

10mm .400 Diameter 200 Grain XTP 100 Count

10mm .400 Diameter 200 Grain XTP 100 Count by HORNADY AMMUNITION AND BULLETS Controlled expansion to 1.5x its original diameter over a wide range of velocities. Heavier jacket stands up to the high pressures and velocities of the highest performance handgun cartridges. Ballistic...
www.midsouthshooterssupply.com www.midsouthshooterssupply.com
10mm handgun users tend to prefer jacketed bullets to provide max reliability
I cast bullets from 95% WW alloy and 5% pure tin, and yes I use gas checks,
they do expand a bit on impact but hold together well
 if you calculate the sectional density
(the ratio of mass to the frontal area)
https://www.beartoothbullets.com/rescources/calculators/php/density.htm
the 50 caliber holds a slight advantage
Sectional density of 0.240 with a bullet weight of 310 grains and diameter of .430".
and about .15 square inches of frontal area

Sectional density of 0.268 with a bullet weight of 470 grains and diameter of .501".
and about .195 square inches of frontal area
as a general rule you want to select handgun bullet designs that fall in the .260-.300 range of sectional density,
to maximize penetration at typical handgun velocity's
(1250-1500 fps)

Sectional Density

This Sectional Density calculator computes the factor used in determining a bullet's ability to penetrate upon impact.
www.vcalc.com www.vcalc.com
suggested CAST bullet weights in
REVOLVERS & PISTOLS
there's always a Balance to be struck between accuracy,
velocity & recoil and penetration.
357 mag= 158 grain-180 grain
10mm= 170-210 grain
41 mag= 220 grain-250 grain
44 mag= 270 grain-320 grain
45 caliber -300 grain-350 grain
480 caliber 350 grain-400 grain
50 caliber 400 grain-480 grain
 
Last edited:





every hunting guide I ever talked too, strongly suggested you carry a magnum handgun as a minimum,
(less than ideal, :facepalm: but easy to carry in a shoulder holster)
and most strongly suggested you carry a 10ga- 12 ga with slugs or a 338-458 caliber rifle as ideal:like:
while I've never shot a charging bear, with that rifle, but I've shot enough ELK with my 375 H&H mannlicher bolt action carbine or my browning BLR lever action in caliber 450 marlin,to know their both effective!
1715354575293.png
1715353910898.png
I,ve never talked to a single guide who put all his faith or even much faith in bear spray!
bear spray may help, repel a bear, with a curious bear but not once,
a bear makes a determined charge intent on doing you harm.

personally I have a great deal more faith in a slug loaded shotgun, or in my 375 H&H carbine,
or in use of a 44 mag or ideally larger bore 500 mag revolver than in use of bear spray
 
Last edited:


in national parks to be alert for bears and take extra precautions to avoid an encounter.
They advise park visitors to wear little bells on their clothes so they make noise when hiking. The bell noise allows bears to hear them coming from a distance, so they won’t be startled by a hiker accidentally sneaking up on them, which might cause a bear to charge.
Visitors are told they should also carry a pepper spray can just in case they encounter a bear. Spraying the pepper into the air will irritate the bear’s sensitive nose and it will run away.
It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for fresh bear droppings so you have an idea if bears are in the area. People should be able to recognise the difference between black bear and grizzly bear scat.


Black bear droppings are smaller and often contain berries, leaves, and possibly bits of fur.
Grizzly bear droppings tend to contain small bells and smell of pepper.
 
Last edited:
as it always has.. its YOUR ability at fast and accurate ,
proper shot placement, a good knowledge of the games anatomy ,
and the skill to deliver that shot rapidly and repeatedly and precisely on target
with practice . using a decent high power handgun with the proper bullets will get the job done,
but a rifle or shotgun will always hold an advantage in,
power, depth of penetration and in most hands, accuracy
personally I consider the 44 mag with a hard cast 280-310 grain bullet
pushed fast enough to have over 1000 ft lbs as a sensible minimum.
magazine capacity is of little value in my opinion, simply due,
to the likelihood of your being forced to shoot a rapidly charging bear,
and only having a few seconds at most, in which to shoot that bear ,
at under 30 yards , or less.. probably a lot less.. time or distance, at most.
personally I trust a semi auto, 10mm loaded with a 180-200 grain bullet , less,
as an effective bear defense.(than a 44 mag, 445 DWSM, or 500 S&W MAG REVOLVER)
 
Last edited:

keep in mind jacketed hollow points of similar weight and velocity,
tend to have lower penetration than heavy hard cast bullets,
and you really want the bullets you fire to punch through muscle and bone,
to the max depth possible to reach vitals from less than ideal ranges and angles.
 

watch the video, and consider the very minimal time frame and distances involved and realize that your only dealing with a few seconds to save your life
then consider that only hits to the skeletal structure (brain, spine, shoulders )and vital organs (brain, heart lungs, liver etc.)
will break down that bear charge that's determined to reach you! deep strait line penetration is mandatory as is your ability to place shots where they can do the most damage!
yes you may be able to fire a semi auto more rapidly, but your trading rapidity of fire for less penetration.
personally after hunting with handguns for 5 decades I think a properly loaded magnum revolver holds the edge in that trade off of power per shot, and deeper penetration, vs potentially a few more shots fired, I doubt you'll have time to fire five or six even semi well placed shots with either choice in a handgun, and I'd prefer the reliability of a revolver over a semi auto,
I think the properly loaded hard cast bullet from a 44 mag or larger bore revolver holds the edge over a 10mm handgun,look through several ballistic gel penetration tests, there's really no way the handguns compare, in depth of penetration, or resulting damage, if heavy bones hit
and yes constant practice, until you can shoot almost instinctively and hit where you want too at those ranges,
and a knowledgeable choice in both the handgun and ammo you'll use is critical.
keep in mind your hot loads in a 10mm rarely exceed about 750 ft lbs or about 200 grains in bullet weight, while a magnum revolver in even 357 mag has deeper penetration, or ideally, use of a 44 mag or larger caliber can easily double the energy and depth of projectile penetration, and larger revolvers like a 445 DWSM, 454 casull, 480 ruger,460 S&W or 500 S&W have a huge advantage in bullet mass, energy on target, and potential penetration.

statistics say your more likely to be killed by a lightning strike than killed in a bear attack (most years)
and much more likely to walk off a cliff ,or fall to your death or freeze to death
 
Last edited:

It's been my opinion and that of several guides I talked with,
that if you're unlikely to get more than a single shot off...:facepalm:if charged at short range,
it pays to do the required research and use one of the larger magnum revolver cartridges
and make that first shot COUNT! :like: yes a 10mm glock with a 15 shot mag seems impressive,
but a single shot has much lower penetration than some of the larger caliber revolvers.
Id suggest you consider a 10-12 ga shotgun, loaded with slugs,
or 45/70 or 450 marlin lever action loaded with hard cast 350-420 grain bullets
if the goal is an effective bear defense gun, but if limited to a handgun, a properly loaded 44 mag,
or larger caliber revolver is certainly an option that in well practiced hands has worked.
but that (WELL PRACTICED and properly loaded ) part is critical.
while its been repeatedly proven that a properly loaded,
hard cast bullet from a 357 mag, 10mm or 41 mag handgun,
can do lethal damage to a bear they are lacking ,the impact energy, and
the deep penetration potential the larger magnum revolves have as an edge.
With handguns there's ALWAYS A BALANCE to be found,
every choice you make is ALWAYS, a compromise in several areas!
between the operators ability to rapidly and repeatedly hit the target,
and the recoil level and its effect on your ability, or skill level,
constant ,frequent practice is required to maintain the peak skill level.
with practice a handgun chambered in a cartridge like a,
41 mag or 44 mag is certainly fairly easy to master
the larger cartridges like the 445 DWSM ,454 casull , 480 ruger,or 500 mag,
take some extra effort but most people can master them with repeated practice
and the power level available would make the effort worth your time,
simply because the power and penetration , of the projectiles,can be far greater
mastering any handgun takes repeated practice,
personally I found its just a matter of constant repeated practice.. that obviously requires access to AMMO
so handloading and bullet casting skills, is a huge benefit as it, SIGNIFICANTLY, reduces the cost of that ammo over time,
1722704024125.png1722707421088.png

having easy access to your handguns critical

https://www.opticsplanet.com/desantis-right-hand-black-black-mamba-m40ba05z0.html

YES IT REQUIRES a shoulder holster or chest cross draw to use comfortably
[IMG]

btw if you buy the holster buy this belt you'll need it with that holster,
FOR A HEAVY HANDGUN SHOULDER HOLSTER DO YOURSELF A BIG FAVOR
I BOUGHT THE BLACK ONE LINKED BELOW ITS VERY GOOD QUALITY
https://www.hanksbelts.com/products/hanks-steel-core-gun-belt?variant=19499006598
opplanet-desantis-right-hand-black-black-mamba-m40ba05z0-fdfeff.jpg

this is fairly decent for the money,its a tight fit, new but loosens a bit with use,
Its the shoulder holster my friend uses with his 7.5" barrel 500 mag revolver
at a bit under $80 its on the lower end of prices


related

445 dan wesson revolvers

YOULL NEED TO SHOOT A GREAT DEAL TO GET THE NECESSARY PRACTICE, its that frequent practice and hand loading that significantly reduces ammo cost, THAT MAKES THE 445 REALLY EFFECTIVE IN YOUR HANDS, CASTING YOUR OWN BULLETS SIZED EXACTLY TO THE THROAT/BORE SIZE HELPS, AS DOES THE COST SAVINGS...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

1/2in holes!

I always heard anything worth putting a hole into, is worth putting a big hole in! Local gun store had this XIX brushed chrome Desert Eagle in .50AE for a price i could not pass up.
garage.grumpysperformance.com

.44 mag

grumpy whats the difference between .44 magnum & .44 special also I was looking at a .357 kit for my glock model 27 to have 2 guns in one but understand it is a different round than my S&W .357 mag?
garage.grumpysperformance.com

41 mag related info

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/handguns/ruger-super-redhawk-41-remington-magnum-75in-stainless-revolver-6-rounds/p/1503817 one of the guys I hunted with for 5 decades in florida just bought a 8 3/8" S&W model 57, revolver in 41 mag and since I have recently moved to texas...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

selecting a handgun for hunting hogs, deer,ELK

I was recently at a local bass pro shops just to browse, the new hand gun selections and be shocked at the prices, , while there, a guy comes up too the counter and says too the sales guy, that he wants to purchase a powerful handgun, to hunt hogs with. because on his first hog hunt he used a...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

I was asked why I don't own a ruger 480 handgun?

I was asked why I don't own a ruger 480 handgun? there's always a balance to be found between how much recoil and muzzle blast you easily handle and your ability to hit a target easily, and consistently at ranges where your likely to use the handgun, for hunting it's been my experience that you...
garage.grumpysperformance.com
 
Last edited:
I recently talked with a guy who , several decades ago, had a large black bear stick its head into his roughly 22ft camper, while he was deer hunting in colorado,
(he was cooking lunch at the time) he sprayed it with BEAR SPRAY at less than 10 feet, saying it almost gassed him out of the camper, the bear reacted violently trying to get further into the camper, KEEP IN MIND THERE WAS ONLY ONE DOORWAY IN OR OUT
his buddy had the presents of mind to empty a pump 12 ga with slugs into the bear, from 3 feet away, when the rangers investigated
there was no question as the slugs had zipped through the bear unto the campers door frame from inside the camper exiting going outward
when I asked if he had any newspaper article's, he said the article was only in a local paper but he said the campers still got the holes shot in the door frame,
the ranger s said AIR HORNS work better than pepper spray

www.webstaurantstore.com

Kemp USA 5.5 oz. Safety Signal Air Horn 10-425

For a great way to signal loudly in an emergency or at a sports event, make sure to carry this Kemp USA 5.5 oz. safety signal air horn. Designed to be 100% ozone-safe, this horn is easy to use and ideal for boating, water sports, and sporting events. Use it to draw attention or alert crowds in...
www.webstaurantstore.com www.webstaurantstore.com
 
after several decades of hunting with handguns Id have to say,
after seeing the results , I've seen on hogs and deer ,
I'd prefer to carry a larger caliber magnum revolver like my 44 mag or 445 DWSM loaded with 280-300 grain gas check, hard cast bullets.
or my 500 S&W 7.5" barrel revolver throwing a 480 grain bullet,
I'm rather convinced that a couple real hard hits that penetrate deeply,
will beat a hail storm of marginally potentially less powerful hits
but the 10MM glock (or any other 10mm semi auto) is building an impressive resume.
yes Id point out that for most of us the chances of being attacked by a bear,
are about only a bit better than winning the lotto or being struck by lightning.
watch the video,
and the point that there were two guys, hunting together rather obviously made the survival process far easier,
as the second hunter also shot the bear, with his handgun,
(even if its was presumed to be lethally shot previously)
as the injured guy, who first shot the bear defensively, had help, in that the second guy called a helicopter medical rescue
there's zero doubt that a properly loaded and well handled 10mm will prove lethal on a large brown bear with proper shot placement.
but its been my experience that a properly loaded 44 mag penetrates easily more than a foot or more deeper through flesh & bone.
(yes its bunch easier to carry and rapidly use a glock 10mm if you don't practice a great deal,
than use of a magnum revolver, both benefit from a quality chest holster for easy access.)

Bullet Design Details | Accurate Molds

accuratemolds.com accuratemolds.com


www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

6 Cavity Mold C430-310-RF

6 Cavity Mold C430-310-RF by Lee Precision Product Overview Midsouth offers the 6 Cavity Mold C430-310-RF. Lee mold blocks are machined from aluminum blocks making them rust resistant. Aluminum molds heat up and cool down faster than iron or steel molds so good bullets can usually be...
www.midsouthshooterssupply.com www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

445 dan wesson revolvers

YOULL NEED TO SHOOT A GREAT DEAL TO GET THE NECESSARY PRACTICE, its that frequent practice and hand loading that significantly reduces ammo cost, THAT MAKES THE 445 REALLY EFFECTIVE IN YOUR HANDS, CASTING YOUR OWN BULLETS SIZED EXACTLY TO THE THROAT/BORE SIZE HELPS, AS DOES THE COST SAVINGS...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

1/2in holes!

I always heard anything worth putting a hole into, is worth putting a big hole in! Local gun store had this XIX brushed chrome Desert Eagle in .50AE for a price i could not pass up.
garage.grumpysperformance.com
 
Last edited:


notice the big bore revolver far out penetrate the 10mm 357 mag and similar handguns


 
Last edited:
the debate centers around is demonstrably better penetration and more impact energy on target,
with a properly loaded 44 mag, more effective,
than potentially a couple more marginally less powerful shots with a 10mm with less penetration,
but an easier to shoot handgun in 10mm, a better option.
keep in mind precise shot placement on a rapidly approaching & angry bear might be rather difficult regardless of handgun choice,
(one reason a tactical 12 ga with slugs is prefered)
but ID point out that I have seen a 165 grain hard cast gas check bullet,
fired from a S&W, 357 mag 8.375" barrel revolver , drop a 250-270lb black bear ,

best climbing tree stand

" HEY GRUMPY? whats the best climbing tree stand?" Obviously you need to ask, best for who?, under what conditions" , on what tree? at what height? how well do you climb? are you rifle, pistol or archery hunting? well that answer, depends a great deal on both the area you hunt the distance...
garage.grumpysperformance.com
almost instantly in the past with a single hit to the shoulder/neck area, from a hunter at about 30 yards.
thus a knowledge of the games anatomy and precise shot placement is critical.
while both cartridges can and have proven to be able to provide lethal damage,
the key here is how skilled and well practiced, the shooter is,
how much time and distance are involved and how well aware of the surroundings,
the defensive shooter was before he was forced to shoot.
you're likely to have one of two scenarios, you are either aware of the threat,
and given time (a few seconds ) to prepare or you just charged at close range by a bear that wants you dead.
if you have the advantage of time and distance the bear must cover to reach you on your side of the equation either option should work.

I was asked why I don't own a ruger 480 handgun?

I was asked why I don't own a ruger 480 handgun? there's always a balance to be found between how much recoil and muzzle blast you easily handle and your ability to hit a target easily, and consistently at ranges where your likely to use the handgun, for hunting it's been my experience that you...
garage.grumpysperformance.com
btw you calculate projectile energy with this formula
bullet weight in grains x velocity x velocity /450240
example
170 grain 10 mm bullet at 1300 fps from a glock 6" aftermarket barrel
170 x 1300x1300/450240=638 ft lbs
glock 20/10mm with aftermarket barrel for more effective cast bullet use/accuracy
img_20180621_181026-jpg.517634

a 170 grain bullet from a 357 mag with an 8.375" barrel travels at about 1250 fps
https://garage.grumpysperformance.com/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.grumpysperformance.com%2Fjan19%2F357mgs.jpg&hash=6a8084e8b312ea49fd8c96c6df11c52b
https://garage.grumpysperformance.com/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.archive.org%2Fweb%2F20210802053944im_%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.grumpysperformance.com%2Fjuly18%2F445rt.jpg&hash=c571daed56113cdcb78c7485fbc8a69b
a 280 grain bullet from a 445 dwsm travels at 1600 fps at the muzzle of a 10" revolver
a 300 grain bullet from a 44 mag travels at 1400 fps at the muzzle of a 10" revolver
https://garage.grumpysperformance.com/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.grumpysperformance.com%2Fjune18%2FS%26W5007.5.jpg&hash=3b24792e0117d4bac56d2132a215dbe9
https://garage.grumpysperformance.com/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.archive.org%2Fweb%2F20160615011715%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.grumpysperformance.com%2F293ss%26w.jpg&hash=92b8d6ec48ee4a860f1897185f07a347
a 489 grain bullet from a 500 mag travels at 1400 fps at the muzzle of a 7.5" revolver

a casting alloy of 95% WW and 5% pure tin produces a decent bullet but bullets cast from LINOTYPE plus about 4% pure tin are better , your bullet must easily punch through bone to reach the vitals
 

Attachments

  • 1725827032386.png
    1725827032386.png
    228.1 KB · Views: 0
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top