Need advise on factory 44 mag ammo for black bear

[JTM1212]

Hi everyone,
I am new to the forum and am looking for some advise on factory 44 mag ammo for black bear defense. I have a Marlin 1894 SS 44 mag and a Taurus model 44 SS 4" barrel. I am looking to use the same ammo for both for. I have been looking at the Federal Cast core 300gr, Speer Gold Dot 270 gr DCSP, Hornady 240 and 300 gr XTP, Buffalo Bore 270 Gr JFN and Double tap 300 gr Nosler. Which of these would be best, if any. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[336A]

Any standard 240gr bullet will be more than enough for black bear. The first thing I would try is American Eagle 240gr JSP or the Win White box of the same weight that is commonly sold at Wal Mart. Either of the above will be more than enough and will likely penetrate a black bear from stem to stern. Just shoot whatever is the most accurate in your firearms.

 

[T.R.]

Vast majority of my hunting experiences with the mighty 44 has been with Hornady hollow tip bullets. They make big holes and I'm not exaggerating. But my quest has been deer and they're less muscular than black bears. Seems like a better choice for a large bear would a load that uses the Speer 270 grain bullet. Anyone is allowed to disagree with me.

The bear photo comes from the Pocono Mts. of eastern Pennsylvania. The beast came around the Christian Camp (where my daughter worked that summer) nearly every evening. I'm not sure how to estimate its weight but my heartbeat probably doubled for a time.

TR

 

[336A]

[QUOTEVast majority of my hunting experiences with the mighty 44 has been with Hornady hollow tip bullets. They make big holes and I'm not exaggerating.][/QUOTE]

Yes they do and I love them for deer hunting

 

[WTBguns10kOK]

I currently carry the 300 gr. Federal castcore and will be getting away from them in favor of probably 240 or 270 Speer deepcurls, so I can handload them down in recoil. Even with the chance of seeing a grizzly, I'm not overly concerned about bullet type, so whatever you pick for black bear is fine.. And if at all possible, reload .44

 

[buck460XVR]

Any of those mentioned will work well. I advise you to find the one that shoots the best outta your gun.

 

[336A]

JTM1212, I think that this will be of some interest to you enjoy. http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,82101.0.html

 

[ssyoumans]

300gr loads may not stabilize out of the Marlin's 1:38 twist. Most limit it to 270gr, so try it out for sure before locking in on a 300gr load. Not a problem out of the handgun. Myself, I'd choose the Hornady 240gr XTPs. I like Hornady XTPs and they do very well out of my 1894, but I reload them (cause I like to shoot a lot of them).

 

[JTM1212]

Thanks to everyone that replied. This was some very useful info.