When hiking in Bear Country I carry my 3" M65 loaded with Buffalo Bore 180 Grain SWCL .357 Magnum, (HEAVY). That's about the best you will find in .357 "bear loads".

I would not set out on a Bear Hunt with a .357, but I do feel that the BB 180 will do what I need it to to against Black Bear (which is what I encounter) should the SHTF. 1,302 fps out of a 3" bbl is really hot for a 180 grain bullet. I WOULD NOT recommend shooting it out of a J-Frame........that's for sure! A K-frame is a minimum IMHO.