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So pretty much these should run with the 700 grain hard caste underwood? I just wonder if the 700 or faster 440 hardcast penetrate more and by how much.
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Please no- 700 is beyond the function limit required in 500 S&W.
Anything bigger than 500 grains is a waste and has no value. A 440 grain hard cast bullets with a large meplat will produce 2 hole in the largest bear. The 700 grain bullet does not stabilize well at distance from all S&W but the John Ross version.
You don't need to drive the 400 of 440 past 1400 fps and recoil should be reasonably for bear defense.
If you are actually hunting brown bear I would opt for a monolithic bullet. My preference would be Northfork CPS or CEB Raptor.
I used a CSP in 460 S&W with 3 shots with complete penetration in 800Lb griz and one going 32", that was with a 260 grain bullet.
You have to be proficient if you plan to use a handgun for bear.
That means practice- would highly recommend you hand load as previously mentioned.
As an avid handgun (460 and 500) hunter who loves chasing bears I would say make sure of what ever you choose make sure you can shoot it well and fast.
be safe
Ruggy