Two Carries For Two Months

WrongHanded said:

Not as bad as I thought. Not as much as I'd like from Magnum cartridges though. The .45acp load is moving pretty good for a bullet that heavy.

You really should consider getting a magnum revolver with a 4" or greater barrel, at some point. I think you'll like it.

Also, this is pretty much the chronograph I have. I've only owned the one and I've used it for all my handload testing. https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1022289790?pid=919444

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The HSM Bear Loads are slower than the equivalent from Buffalo Bore or Underwood.
1200 versus 1400 (advertised). I'm starting to see more ammo from Underwood on their website and will order some of the 357 & 41 when available. I'm planning on adding a S&W 69 4.2" soon.

I sold a 686+ 4", Ruger BH 5.5" 357. I also had a 657 7", 629 8 3/8", SRH 9.5" 44mag. I would get the 69 2 3/4", but the 4" is legal to hunt with in Wisconsin.
I like the short barrel revolvers and understand that I'm giving up some velocity. Someday I will buy a SRH in 454 with a longer barrel for longer distance fun.

Thanks for the chronograph link. Someday when I settle down and slow down on traveling I will get one....

I have had a small change in travel plans and need to switch to a single carry for the two months.
The break down of travel is 30 days in the mountains, and 33 days of the ocean/beach.
I will need to stick with a pocket carry for my personal comfort. I'm leaning towards the 442 38 special loaded with 158 grain XTP. This is a compromise between the LCPII with its lighter weight and the 605 357mag with more energy.
My primary carry in the mountains is a can of bear spray...

When we snowbird starting in December I will change back to 2 carry guns the LCPII and XDM 45acp.

jstert said:

a s&w 442 38sp snubbie with a couple of speedstrip reloads and aftermarket rubber grips that cover the backstrap for recoil mitigation is an excellent all-around companion.

not that i hike anywhere that aggressive bear are active, but if i did bear spray would not be my primary carry. out and about east of the mississippi river the bigger worry is two-, not four-, legged predators. a 38sp snubbie will be fine.

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When hiking in National Parks it is a good idea to have bear spray. A non-lethal defense may save you a legal headache. The handgun is for two legged threats primarily as you mentioned.
The parks and areas around them in the east are battling a major problem with food conditioned bears. People mean garbage and picnic baskets to bears.