What ammo for Bear?
08-12-2008, 10:59 AM
#1
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Fargo, ND
Posts: 1,800
What ammo for Bear?
For my 44mag would a 240gr JHP be fine for black bear or would it be better to use a 300gr JFN? Black bears are not that big so I assume the 240gr JHP will work fine and its cheaper. What do you guys reccomend?
Thanks for the help
Kirk
Thanks for the help
Kirk
08-12-2008, 03:29 PM
#4
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: PA
Posts: 2,313
RE: What ammo for Bear?
I carry my 44 mag for bear protection. I forget the exact round i use but it is a jacketed flat point lead nose round by magtech. I think its 240 grains but it might be more. Its a great round. I dont like the Hollow Points out of my 44. They seem to break apart too easily.
08-21-2008, 04:24 PM
#5
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location:
Posts: 480
RE: What ammo for Bear?
I would look at hunting bullets specifically. Most manufacturers have some sort of labeling system for their ammunition that will state what each round is intended for. Anything that is rated for large game animals would be fine. Maybe a soft point or a solid would be a better choice that a hp.
08-22-2008, 07:50 AM
#7
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Eastern PA
Posts: 12,726
RE: What ammo for Bear?
You would be better of with a soft point rather than the hollow point. The 240 is OK but the 300 would be better. For antelope you can stick with whatever shoots the best from your revolver.
I know you would feel more comfortable with a handgun but in reality, for bear defense, you would probably be better off with a bear repellant spray. Lets face it - if a bear is going to come at you from close range, you are going to get off one shot at best. And unless you hit the brain or sever the spinal cord he is still going to get to you. The spray covers a wider area and will stop almost any bear.
I know you would feel more comfortable with a handgun but in reality, for bear defense, you would probably be better off with a bear repellant spray. Lets face it - if a bear is going to come at you from close range, you are going to get off one shot at best. And unless you hit the brain or sever the spinal cord he is still going to get to you. The spray covers a wider area and will stop almost any bear.
08-24-2008, 07:40 PM
#10
Fork Horn
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Fingerlakes Region of New York State
Posts: 173
RE: What ammo for Bear?
For black bear, any load you hunt deer with will work. .44 mag using 240gr.JHP work well and will kill a bear hands down. Shot placement is the key. I took my first bear with a Marlin 336 in .44 mag using 240 JHP. For grizzly, I use a 45-70 540gr Garrett's hammerheads +P out of a Marlin 1895G Guide gun.
