Just booked my first Canadian bear hunt!!!!! I am thinking of taking my 44 mag ruger deerfield and my 44 mag handi rifle. The hunt is over bait (20 to 40 yard shot) so I think the 44 mag would do the job ( if I do mine).I reload for this caliber so what bullet would work the best hard cast lead,jacketed soft point or hollow point? What weight bullet is best? Any load suggestions and bullet ideas would be great.Can't wait for august!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks,
Wayne

You can't go wrong with the Hornady XTP. Check with your outfitter and see what they recommend as well. Some areas do not allow the use of cast bullets as they do not expand and act like an FMJ bullet. I would think at the ranges you stated you would get great penetration with the XTP or even with the Barnes DPX bullets. I do like cast bullets so don't get me wrong. If using cast I would go with a 300gr with a wide mepplate. I use Cast Performance 335gr WLNCGCs out of my 45LC. The wider the frontal area the larger the hole will be.

Grew up chasing bears in the NC mountains with a Ruger 44mag Carbine..............excellent load was the Norma 44 mag SP Flat Nose 240gr.

Great round suggest keep your shots under 100 yards.......the Winchester 250grPlatium TIP HP should be a good bear round or the Speer 270gr FP.