In my experience black bears are more afraid of you than you are of them. Unless you get between a sow and her cubs or between a black bear and his/her food.
I think your best bet if your going to carry the 638 J Frame
would be a hard cast wadcutter from Buffalo Bore.
I have killed big male black bears with .38 Spl. 158-Gr. round nose lead. Back then it was the only choice. Shot placement is every thing.
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In Omnia Paratus
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