10 mm or .45 ACP?

[stevek]

Thanks for all the replies folks. I have put a new 3rd generation Glock 20 SF on layaway, and have some ammo on order.

 

[Fishman777]

Opinions are like noses...

Everyone has one.

The opinions that matter are the ones that come from people with extensive experience. I don't have that experience and am willing to bet that most people here don't, either.

Do a google search for "black bears dick metcalf".

Then, select the link for "foggymountain and how to hunt a black bear - bear loads".

The guides at foggy mountain are among the best black bear guides in the world. The guy that runs that operation has won several "international dangerous game guide of the year awards". They've been doing this work longer than a lot of people have been a live, and favor handguns.

In the article, Dick Metcalf gave Black Bear handgun load advice. The advice was based on what the folks at Foggy Mountain told him. Dick Metcalf said the following:

"...And if you use a minimum .40 caliber, a minimum 200-grain solid deformable bullet, and a minimum 1000-fps velocity from your chosen gun, you'll have a load that will anchor *any* black bear that stands in your sights..."

-Dick Metcalf

Based on this, a .45 acp that is properly loaded, with proper shot placement is capable of dealing with *any* Black Bear. Again, that opinion came from someone at Foggy Mountain guide service and was written by a very well known gun writer.

Either the 10mm or the .45 will work, provided that you choose the right loading. The really question is which cartridge/gun can you shoot better? These cartridges are both capable, the main question is whether you place your shots under pressure.

 

[CDR_Glock]

Just put a bid in on 9.23 acres in West Virginia with a new home on the property. We'll find out if the bank accepts our offer tomorrow...praying hard. The question is: We may have some black bears occasionally, and if push comes to shove, what sidearm will stop a black bear? We stopped at a Gander Mountain on the way back, and the gun counter guy says .45 ACP will do the trick. I was leaning towards a 10 mm, like a Glock 20. The wife doesn't like revolvers much, so a .41 or .44 magnum wouldn't work for her. We have plenty of .45 ACP and a couple of sidearms in that caliber. What does the forum say?

I know that a rifle, or shotgun, or a larger revolver would be better, but they won't do a lot of good in the house or if the wife isn't comfortable shooting/carrying them, so if possible keep the replies related to 10 mm and .45 ACP

Thanks in advance!
__________________

Bears don't approach humans unless desensitized by humans feeding them or harassing them.

Has your wife tried shooting a 10mm or 45 ACP? How about a shotgun? All the talk in the world regarding which is more effective is going to be limited by your wide's comfort level. Who knows? Maybe a single action 44 magnum or a Casull may be easier to handle a shot or two.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

What if what if. If you're that worried about bears you better not shoot all of your ammo at the range.

 

[RinkRat]

G20 good choice over the .45acp 10mm vs 45acp koolness factor ?? If that were the case and I was looking for a semi-auto trail handgun I’d get a Desert Eagle .50A.E. but in the woods IMHO it has nothing to do with choosing what’s cool to carry it’s a survival thing to me and a .45acp +P just an’t gun ah cut it shootin at any ol bruins out thar in the woods for me anyways I don’t care what color it is. But like I said previously when it comes to big things that want to drag me off to their home and feed me to their young ,,,, and based on what the Alaskans suggest I’m taking the biggest handgun I can afford They may get the bigger variety the farther northeast you go and granted blacks are kinda and I’ll stress mostly are kinda not a problem but they can be and if any color bear starts tuggin on my boot no handgun is going to be big enough to keep the inside seat of my pants clean I know we started out talking about a particular color and size but try reading Alaska Bear Tales by Larry Kaniut for more information on actual bear encounters and some attempted gun defenses. There was a 335lb black bear that was hanging around my neighborhood for about 2 or so months wasn’t bothering nothing but some folks started complaining so a ranger tagged it and relocated it to a more bear friendly area about 475 miles away. And wouldn’t yah know it ,, the darn thing was BACK about 5 or 6-wks later So they moved it again and an’t seen it since.

 

[soda]

10mm more horse power

 

[Caliper_Mi]

Thanks for all the replies folks. I have put a new 3rd generation Glock 20 SF on layaway, and have some ammo on order.

Awesome choice! Just be sure not to shoot all your ammo at the range

 

[gofastman]

And if you use a minimum .40 caliber, a minimum 200-grain solid deformable bullet, and a minimum 1000-fps velocity from your chosen gun, you'll have a load that will anchor *any* black bear that stands in your sights..."

huh?

solid:


deformable:

 

[Deaf Smith]

Either 10mm or .45 will work fine.

If .45, just get a kit that will allow you to shoot .45 Super/SMC out of it. All it takes is a spring change and (maybe) opening the firing pin hole just a bit.

Then the .45 will push a 230gr JHP at 1100 from a 5 inch 1911.

Deaf

 

[mopar92]

10mm, or if you are that worried, an AR15 Pistol.....223

 

[mbruce]

10mm, or if you are that worried, an AR15 Pistol.....223

Good idea...keltec has 1

 

[mopar92]

Indeed

 

[wow6599]

.223 from a pistol (or rifle) is not a good idea for bear protection.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

^but great for evolution.

 

[mopar92]

If you are running from a bear, you don't want to get inside 30 yards to shoot accurately with your Gansta 10mm Glock.... however, I can tag a bear with a .223 pistol at 80 yards perhaps... I have not compared them, but I think a .223 has better ballistics right?

 

[HGUNHNTR]

^ Um no, What do you mean by better anyway---velocity? Energy? Penetration?Ballistics tables don't tell the whole story for sure. Take into account bullet construction, penetration, wound channel, etc. My Glock isn't a gangsta version either btw.

 

[mopar92]

My buddy who's watching the thread was the target for his Gangsta Glock.. inside joke to my buddy Jason who is a Lurker only... never post's.. I'm just thinking .223 because of the distance I could shoot it, and 30 round magazine. I know we are not talking hunting, but if you can get more distance from a bear, that is better.... get the heck away from it... I mean, ultimately, I'd say .50 BMG, but thats not practical. Why don't more hunters hunt with a 10mm? I'll officially put this thread back on track.. I would take a 10mm over the 100 year old .45 ...yes....

 

[GambJoe]

.223 from a pistol (or rifle) is not a good idea for bear protection.

Saw one of those wildlife specials about hybrid bears (polar bears matting with grizzlies). The Inuit people M-16 style rifles for polar bear protection.

 

[wow6599]

Saw one of those wildlife specials about hybrid bears (polar bears matting with grizzlies). The Inuit people M-16 style rifles for polar bear protection.

I watched that a few months ago. I remember wondering why in the world would they wouldn't at least use a semi in .30 something.

 

[mopar92]

Saw one of those wildlife specials about hybrid bears (polar bears matting with grizzlies). The Inuit people M-16 style rifles for polar bear protection.

Nope, a 10MM is far superior... thats why most troops carry one...

 

[wow6599]

Nope, a 10MM is far superior... thats why most troops carry one...

Troops from the bear army or human army?

 

[wow6599]

Quote from Col. Jeff Cooper regarding the .223 (and yes, I do own and shoot 5.56/.223) -

"The 223 cartridge (556 NATO) has now been with us for quite some time. I did not think it was a good idea in the first place, and time has not changed my opinion. If you ask just what is a 223 for, a good answer does not pop right up. The 223 is essentially a varmint cartridge, though I suppose it could be considered proper for the smallest of four-footed game animals such as chamois, reedbuck, or those half-size Texas whitetails. It also might do well for coyotes or baboons and, of course, we shoot people with it with moderate success. I note that Steyr Mannlicher has offered a couple of presumably sporting firearms in this caliber, but about all I can see in a purpose here is a means of employing the profusion of ammunition which is available throughout the world. It makes a pretty good ranch-patrol item, if you have a rifle to take it, but I certainly would not run out and buy a rifle on that account."

 

[gofastman]

I have not compared them, but I think a .223 has better ballistics right?

probably not, especially out of a pistol, at least not for thick skinned, tough animals like bear.
I know id rather have a a heavy 10mm slug that penetrates 25" of tissue rather than a
.223 that maybe gets 14"

 

[Skinsanity]

I have a Draco 7.62x39 pistol...That is my berry pickin gun...

 

[HGUNHNTR]

Mopar, many folks do hunt with a 10mm, as a matter fact their are several 10mm autos configured specifically for sport hunting pursuits.