Ammo for Marginal Caliber for Black Bear

[Scott Free]

I have a friend that lives in a yurt. Essentially, it's a big tent. In the area, is a very large black bear that has raided the yurt while my friend and his wife were away. They've seen the bear more than a few times, and it shows very little fear, although it's not been aggressive. Next to the bed, they keep a 12 gauge loaded with slugs. There is also a .357. He carries a Kahr .40, and she carries a Kahr 9mm, both guns loaded with hollow points. I mentioned to him, that IF I were content to carry a .40 and a 9mm, I think I'd want them loaded with +P FMJ--if such a thing exists. I'm thinking penetration would be absolutely essential for such marginal calibers--but I'm no expert, and at least some of you guys are. So--what's the right answer if a .44 magnum is not part of the equation?

BTW- They do have Counter Assault Bear Spray.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

You are correct, with 40 and 9mm heavy for caliber FMJ would be best.

 

[Jeff F]

I agree with the above. Heaviest FMJ for the auto loaders and heavy hard cast GC in the .357.

 

[jim147]

I'd carry the .357 and the 12 gauge.
I'm not kidding.
Not trying to ignore your question just telling you what I would chose.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

And get some solids for that .357

 

[Snapping Twig]

There's got to be a TC load for the autos - use that. FMJ isn't up to it. You want shock transmission and penetration, the fmj will pass through with minimal disruption - not good.

I'd get some 170g cast rounds for the .357 - Lyman mould # 358429 should do the trick.

Good luck and load the 12ga. with solid, buck, solid, buck, etc.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Scott, like the others I would suggest loading your .357 Magnum with either 170gr or 180gr Hard Cast Lead bullets. Also, keep that shotgun close at all times because Bears are very fast!!

As for the 9mm pistol, you're right, it is marginal at best but better than a .44 Magnum if his wife can't handle the recoil of a .44 Magnum. Don't forget, several hits with a 9mm beats the heck out of a miss with a large bore...

You didn't tell us where this "big tent" is. Who are the local authorities in the area. Usually if you report a large bear that won't go away they will try and live trap the bear and release it far away from you.

Here is a link for a site that will tell you all about "Bear Spray." They also have online sales too, Here's the link for the Bear Spray page. I'm not sure pepper spray is the answer but it's not a bad idea for it to be part the answer. They also sell a Bear Fence that might help your problem. It will at least keep the bear from surprising you during the night while you are asleep...

Welcome to the forum, good luck and be careful.

 

[kitsapcharly]

I fully agree with the heavy bullet FMJ. I know there are many reports of bears being killed with 45 ACP. Not the best and I think people who hunt deer and bear with them are deranged. It's what I carry when hiking or fishing.
If they have only 9MM and 40 at hand when it hits the fan FMJ in a heavy weight would give them a fighting chance. I'd lean towards the 357 for more power but have never fired o studied them. The 12 guage sounds like the star of the show but then long arms are never there when needed.

 

[wnycollector]

doubletap offers a 200gr wide flat nose gas check loading (1100fps/540lbs). I picked up a box in my "sampler pack" and it was loaded flawlessly for my CZ 40B. Here is the link http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_26&products_id=210

 

[woad_yurt]

A TT33 and a dog....

Have you considered 7.62x25? The Box O' Truth guys shot up a kevlar helmet and the 7.62 positively humbled the .357. Get a TT33 or Norinco 54-1. A dog is a good early warning system, btw. Even a little yapping Yorkie will wake 'em up earlier than they would themselves.

Check out the kevlar tests:

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot29.htm

 

[wyocarp]

Where do they live?

 

[goon]

If everything were ideal, I'd also prefer the .357 and the 12 gauge.
I don't know how big bears get in your area but they've been killed here with .357's shooting cast bullets or Jacketed soft points. I'd stick with 158 grain or larger and with a bullet that will penetrate.
I also agree on the FMJ's for the 9mm and .40. Both are marginal at best but a black bear is generally not like a grizzly. Often they can be scared off by a loud noise and if not, something that penetrates will most likely get their attention or kill them. If you can find a truncated FMJ that would probably be better. If not, stick regular FMJ in there and keep the 12 gauge as close as possible. Remember, even a .357 is still a handgun. Most handguns are downright anemic compared to a rifle or shotgun with slugs, no matter what ammo you put in it. Plan accordingly.
I'd keep the 12 gauge loaded with all slugs. Some advocate staggering buck and slugs, the idea often being to shoot the buck into the bear's face to blind it, then shoot it with the slug to kill it. If I were primarily concerned with bears, I'd want to know that every round I worked into the chamber would be doing serious damage on impact and not just making superficial wounds.

I second the idea of contacting the local fish and game people. From what you've said, it sounds like something that they definitely need to be informed of and they would probably bring a trap out to relocate the bear to an area where it wouldn't be such a problem. That's the best way to deal with it. At the very least, it would create a paper trail in the event that they had to shoot it themselves - something to help them stay out of legal trouble if they are forced to kill it out of season and without a license.

The dog is also another great idea.

BTW - cast bullets are generally not recommended for polygonal rifling. IIRC, that's what all Kahr's have. Just an FYI.