9mm, .45acp, or .357 mag

[Fishman777]

.45 with a twist

Get a .45 acp gun that has a .460 rowland conversion kit for it.

460 rowland mimics low to mid level .44 mag.

8 to 14 rounds of .44 magnum powered ammo is what I'd opt for. If you don't need that level of power, you switch the recoil spring and the barrel back to the factory original and you have a .45 acp, again. I hope to do this at tax time.

 

[scaatylobo]

Size of bear ?

If your talking black bear then I go with the .357 [ as I actually do ]

But if your talking bigger bears then a bigger handgun is the least I would pack.

Another option is to carry and PRACTICE LOTS with a pistol gripped 12 bore w/ 18" barrel.

I wonder at those that advise the spray,since if you are being charged - I have no belief that a spray will stop that bear.

Killing it is THE only answer.

So prepare your mind to see that CHARGING bear and that you stand your ground and take the shots.

Turning your back,or spraying and praying will do nothing to stop that bear from dumping you as waste when he ----- er dumps.

 

[JLaScala]

I've read many articles where black bear have been taken down by 45acp. It will do the job, but I would much rather use a 44 mag. If it bleeds, we can kill it.

 

[stanger04]

The best I can offer is get what you can shoot well, then when you go into an area with bears bring a friend that cannot run as fast as you.

 

[astocks2622]

if you do decide to go with the 357 mag, Double tap offers some decent heavy hitting loads. this is what I carry when hiking in the cascades (though i wouldn't even consider trying them on anything but black bear...) http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_27&products_id=152
recoil is stout for a 357, but it's manageable in a reasonable sized revolver. also, not too bad for accuracy.
good luck

 

[Tomcat47]

Out Of The 3 - The .357 With 180gr HP XTP

I like loading myself and I have used a Hornady 180 gr. HP XTP bullet.

This load was for Wild Boar and usually shot out of a Marlin Lever Gun, But it was also extremely effective out of 6" Taurus .357 , and a S&W 6" .357

Or Get a bigger gun than .357 I like a .41 Magnum even over a .44 but .44 is good. I love a .454 Casull too! But I would not hesitate on a bear with the above bullet and a good hand load.