In my search for the next ccw gun that may double for hiking sometimes, I came to reading about ballistics of .357 in 4" barrel vs 2" barrel and what not. Since I want something that is adequate for defense against anything up to a black bear, I was wondering if anyone knows what range of forces are actually required for black bear; what it takes to penetrate skull, break shoulder, etc.
I'm not interested in debate over whether .357 in a snubbie is manageable, as I will have to fire it for myself to judge whether or not I can shoot it. I also know the shot placement is more important than power, and that the ability to make follow up shots are also necessary. And, yes, I know a shotgun would be better than a handgun, and so on. I am interested in knowing if enough ballistic performance is lost in a 2" barrel to diminish to effectiveness of the .357 and what is actually required (ballistics) for black bear. Has anyone come across anything good on these subjects?
Thank you
I'm not interested in debate over whether .357 in a snubbie is manageable, as I will have to fire it for myself to judge whether or not I can shoot it. I also know the shot placement is more important than power, and that the ability to make follow up shots are also necessary. And, yes, I know a shotgun would be better than a handgun, and so on. I am interested in knowing if enough ballistic performance is lost in a 2" barrel to diminish to effectiveness of the .357 and what is actually required (ballistics) for black bear. Has anyone come across anything good on these subjects?
Thank you