DougB
Member
Okay, so maybe I'm not actually planning to hunt bear with this gun/cartridge 
, but I do carry one in the woods - partially for bear protection (I know a bear attack is very unlikely, but it makes me feel better). I generally carry a Firestorm Mini-40 (made by Bersa) with 165 grain Winchester "white box" FMJ ammo. I figure that the medium bullet weight, and the flat pointed FMJ bullet will probably penetrate best, which I think would be most important. I'm guessing that performance might be along the lines of a .357 165gr SWC. I think this round would be okay for self-defense against humans (though I'd pick a hollow-point if that were my primary purpose).
Also, I'm considering buying a slightly lighter handgun, like a Taurus PT-140 Millenium for this purpose. I could also get the .45 ACP version. Would a .45 ACP penetrate as well as a FMJ .40? Obviously it could make a bigger hole, but for bear protection, I'm guessing that the .40 would actually have the edge in penetration. For a long time I hoped to find a 10mm in this size, but the only option is the Glock, which I don't care for. I've come around to the conclusion that the .40 is close enough (and enough of a handful in very light, compact guns).
By the way, I also have an ultralight S&W .357 and a .44 Mag revolver, but I prefer semi-autos (more compact, almost as light, much higher capaity). I know it is probably inevitable that some will say I need a .44/.454/.500 revolver for this, but I'm not going to carry anything close to that size on most of my outings.
Thoughts?
Doug
, but I do carry one in the woods - partially for bear protection (I know a bear attack is very unlikely, but it makes me feel better). I generally carry a Firestorm Mini-40 (made by Bersa) with 165 grain Winchester "white box" FMJ ammo. I figure that the medium bullet weight, and the flat pointed FMJ bullet will probably penetrate best, which I think would be most important. I'm guessing that performance might be along the lines of a .357 165gr SWC. I think this round would be okay for self-defense against humans (though I'd pick a hollow-point if that were my primary purpose).Also, I'm considering buying a slightly lighter handgun, like a Taurus PT-140 Millenium for this purpose. I could also get the .45 ACP version. Would a .45 ACP penetrate as well as a FMJ .40? Obviously it could make a bigger hole, but for bear protection, I'm guessing that the .40 would actually have the edge in penetration. For a long time I hoped to find a 10mm in this size, but the only option is the Glock, which I don't care for. I've come around to the conclusion that the .40 is close enough (and enough of a handful in very light, compact guns).
By the way, I also have an ultralight S&W .357 and a .44 Mag revolver, but I prefer semi-autos (more compact, almost as light, much higher capaity). I know it is probably inevitable that some will say I need a .44/.454/.500 revolver for this, but I'm not going to carry anything close to that size on most of my outings.
Thoughts?
Doug
