SD for Bear?

MikeGoob · February 6, 2007, 03:17 PM

I dont plan to ever hunt bear, nor ever encounter them much. Let alone shoot anything but photos.

But, because I have a 357 revolver, when out in the woods, Id like to load it with something meaningful against whatever might cause trouble. Realistically that might mean black bear at most but regardless, Id like your opinions on what is most effective against heavy pelted large animals.

Im looking heavily into Buffalo Bore--Which of these would you think best for this purpose?

180 gr. LFN-GC (1400 fps ME 783 ft. lbs.)
170 gr. JHC (1400 fps ME 740 ft. lbs.)
158 gr. JHC (1475 fps ME 763 ft. lbs.)
125 gr. JHC (1700 fps ME 802 ft lbs.)

Edward429451 · February 6, 2007, 03:21 PM

180 gr LFNGC.

stevelyn · February 6, 2007, 07:24 PM

The 180 gr LFN-GC should shoot end to end on a black bear.

jrothWA · February 8, 2007, 12:26 AM

softnosed ammo. When bird hunting in Northern Mi, never had bear encounter, but did have two buck shells in pocket.
When I hike in the Cascade Mts., here in Washington I carry the same.
Some like the 180's but I feel the 158 are okay. I'll try to back out of a situation.

stephen426 · February 8, 2007, 01:00 AM

SD for Bear?

Bears usually do not needs gun for self defense since they are equipped with teeth and claws.

Sorry... I couldn't help myself. You also type pretty well for a bear.

MikeGoob · February 8, 2007, 10:26 AM

you better pray you have something hefty for when I break into your house looking for grubs!

February 6, 2007, 03:17 PM	#1
MikeGoob Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2006 Posts: 876	SD for Bear? I dont plan to ever hunt bear, nor ever encounter them much. Let alone shoot anything but photos. But, because I have a 357 revolver, when out in the woods, Id like to load it with something meaningful against whatever might cause trouble. Realistically that might mean black bear at most but regardless, Id like your opinions on what is most effective against heavy pelted large animals. Im looking heavily into Buffalo Bore--Which of these would you think best for this purpose? 180 gr. LFN-GC (1400 fps ME 783 ft. lbs.) 170 gr. JHC (1400 fps ME 740 ft. lbs.) 158 gr. JHC (1475 fps ME 763 ft. lbs.) 125 gr. JHC (1700 fps ME 802 ft lbs.)

February 6, 2007, 07:24 PM	#3
stevelyn Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Location: Fairbanksan in exile to Aleutian Hell Posts: 2,655	The 180 gr LFN-GC should shoot end to end on a black bear. __________________ Stop Allowing Our Schools To Be Soft Targets! http://fastersaveslives.org/ East Moose. Wear Wolf.

February 8, 2007, 12:26 AM	#4
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 2,519	For deer hunting in Michian, I used Federal 158gr... softnosed ammo. When bird hunting in Northern Mi, never had bear encounter, but did have two buck shells in pocket. When I hike in the Cascade Mts., here in Washington I carry the same. Some like the 180's but I feel the 158 are okay. I'll try to back out of a situation.

February 8, 2007, 01:00 AM	#5
stephen426 Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2005 Posts: 3,840	SD for Bear? Bears usually do not needs gun for self defense since they are equipped with teeth and claws. Sorry... I couldn't help myself. You also type pretty well for a bear. __________________ The ATF should be a convenience store instead of a government agency! Last edited by stephen426; February 8, 2007 at 06:43 PM.

February 6, 2007, 03:21 PM	#2
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	180 gr LFNGC.

February 8, 2007, 10:26 AM	#6
MikeGoob Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2006 Posts: 876	you better pray you have something hefty for when I break into your house looking for grubs!