What .357 ammo and holster for SD in the woods?

[DMK]

The outdoor range I shoot at is way out in thick woods, a good 1/2 hour drive from the nearest house. A few guys I've talked to have mentioned seeing some larger carnivores either at the range or along the fire road traveling to/from it. The largest animals in the area are black bears, mountain lions, boars/feral pigs and coyotes. I've never seen any of these in the immediate range area myself, but have seen all except the boars/pigs within 25 miles or so of the area. It's possible this is the same range lore getting recycled bigger and badder each time it's told or maybe these sighting are becoming more common as humans press further into animal territory and they have less fear of people than they used to.

I always carried a 1911 govt. sidearm in the past, usually loaded with FMJ and a couple extra mags. My main concern was mainly bipedal preditors. It would probably be prudent to start bringing one of my Mosin-Nagant 91/59 carbines loaded with soft points, but I may not be within arms length of it at all times. I think I'd feel a lot more comforted carrying something with some decent penetrating power right on my hip.

I don't have the money to buy another new gun for at least another six months(though eventually, I'd like to get a 45ACP/45Colt Backhawk). So, out of my existing battery, I think my 6" barreled .357 N-frame is probably the better choice over one of the 45ACP guns.

Now, what ammo to load the .357 with? 158 gr. soft point? 180gr. soft point? Hollowpoints?

I also need a decent holster to carry this thing. Most of the N-frame holsters I see are for 4" barreled guns. Any suggestions on a good and comfortable leather hip hoster for a 6" N-frame?

 

[Vern Humphrey]

A big boar can be pretty tough, but a .45 ACP hardball will generally get through his shield. If I were carrying a .357, it would be a tossup between a 158 grain hollowpoint and a similar weight wide flatnose cast bullet.

My place in Arkansas has a bunch of black bears -- my carry gun in the woods is usually my Colt New Service in .45 Colt, with Lee 255 grain wide flat noses.

 

[Rob96]

I would carry the Winchester 180gr Partition Gold. Awsome load!!!! If no 180gr loads can be had, I would go for the 158gr Hydrashok.

 

[No4Mk1*]

I'd use 158grain JHP's. Best for covering man and beast in NC.
The only time I ran into a bear while hiking (North GA) I had a 9mm with 7 shots of 115grain FMJ. Luckily the bear decided to go the other way (as expected).

 

[Magnum88C]

If your only real concern is two-legged predators, I'd go with a 158-gr hollowpoint, any of the premium brands will do.

If you REALLY think you might run into something tough like a bear or big boar, then go with a 180-gr hardcast bullet. They'll also put a hurt on predators of the two-legged variety.

I have no idea about the holster, still looking for one I like for my N-frame .44

 

[christophera]

What about the 158 grain soft points? They good on these types of critters? That's my practice .357 mag load.

Edited to add: You might want to look at a shoulder rig. I see a lot of holsters out there for the larger framed hunting type wheel guns. It would help you sit in a truck too.

 

[ChristopherG]

I'd probably use a hot 158 softpoint, cause I have a bunch of em, and I expect they'd do the job almost as well as most things. Not what I'd choose if I was gonna use a 357 to deliberately go out and Hunt bear or hog, but perfectly capable of making them think twice, I'm sure. Also quite serviceable for anti-personel applications in areas where overpenetration is not a concern.

The holster I have for a 6" n-frame is by Sidearmor. It's their modular kydex OWB, securely adjustable to just about any angle of dangle you like, for strong side or cross-draw carry. Not traditional, but it'll hold and protect your gun through a hurricane; I like mine.