Not to be harsh, but have you ever timed how long it takes you to empty your rifle and then draw a handgun? That was one of the "drills" we played with for fun when I lived in Alaska. But, truth was, if I couldn't do the job on a bear with 4 rounds of .375 H&H or .300 WBY Mag, six more from a .44 Magnum didn't seem to make sense that it'd do much more. So, realistically, what you're talking about here is something to wander off from camp with to take a dump, etc. when a rifle's just not so convenient.
Originally Posted by
salukipv1
What I want would be something as a bear back up, that would hopefully shoot a large caliber type cartridge that could also shoot a lower powered cartridge, ie like a .454 casull and .45 colt, also I'd like to be able to buy snake loads for it, and I'm not sure if snake loads are strong enough to cycle a semi-auto?
CCI makes shot rounds for semiautos. I've heard they work "okay". I've used .44 Mag shot rounds, they're "okay", too.
Originally Posted by
salukipv1
How popular is the 10mm for a semi auto? is that even powerful enough?
Not very popular, and not powerful enough given you've chosen to include grizzlies and browns.
Originally Posted by
salukipv1
.44mag kinda seems like the low end for real bear back up discussion, but does the .44 have a smaller brother it can also shoot?
Compared to a rifle, the .44 Mag is kinda on the low end. Yes, it will also fire .44 Special and .44 Russian. Last time I bought a box of Specials, they cost me almost what a box of magnums would've.
I'm not familiar with all the other calibers you list, either. I use a .44 Mag as mountain lion repellent these days and generally won't carry a rifle if I have the handgun along. I have hunted deer on occasion with a .44 Mag (rifle and pistol). It will put a deer down.
Really though, if you're that concerned about grizzlies and browns, I'd encourage you to simply practice with your long gun at close range. Chances are, 90% of the time that's what you're going to have handiest in the first place. I would go up against a grizzly with even a .270 before I'd drop the rifle and go for the handgun.