Yes and no, a JHP may take any black bear that walks the earth, but more than likely, multiple JHPs. Regardless, JHPs are a poor choice for defensive against black bears. Black bears live in the desert and have been hit on I-10, two that I know of (Cochise County) were in the 370-400# range.Witch: "I would not recommend any .44 mag hollow point for bear. They have tough hides. I have seen .44 hp's only penetrate a few inches on a few occasions. They all opened up great, but for bear, you need to penetrate a lot to get to the vitals. I ran bear dogs for years, I would not use them. Just my opinion".
I dont know what type of black bear you have hunted or seen shot with a 44 But the three i have taken were all one shot and all dropped within 10 yards of where they were hit. I use a 5.5 barrel Redhawk in 44 magnum. I took the 1st two with factory 240 SJHP Remington ammo. Range was 30 yards and 22 yards. The last one was shot at about 45 yards using a 240 grain SWC that I loaded. I loaded 9 grains Unique and hard cast SWC. Bear dropped right where it was hit. The bullet was a thru and thru. JHP will take any black bear that walks the earth. You just have to do your part as the shooter. All three weighed around the 300 lb weight mark
One 150# black bear that had been hit by a car took all six shots from a 357mag (JHPs) to be dispatched.
In another black bear encounter, a young man was out with his dog when it was attacked by a black bear. It was not a large bear, but it took all six rounds of 41mag/JHPs, at less than optimal angles, to stop the bear.
An attacking black bear, as others have posted, will present shooting angles that are less than optimal, thus negating the choice of JHPs for black bear defensive carry.
Heavy JSPs/WFNs in the 250gr/300gr weight range ~@1100fps are more than adequate for bear defense in Arizona.