OHcoconut: I have found just the opposite, 2 3/8,4 with bill 700 gr really were not that bad. But put the 500,600, or 700 gr out of a 7.5 magnum research were brutal !!! Bill's 600/700 out of the 8 3/8 smith are a handful. I think it has to do with length of barrel ( not burning all the powder ) and the difference in the angle of the grip on the BFR. Both will shoot the 500/600/700 straight out to 50 yds, while the 700's begin to yaw @ 25-30 from my 4" smith. KIP------ Back to the post question load a 44 mag with 250 XTP, or the 500 with 440 hard cast-- then tie a 5 gallon bucket to a 75-100 ft rope, tie the other end to a 4 wheeler and have a friend drive "towards you ", when he is past start shooting " the bear in the head at 25 mph ". I would carry my 500 with 440 hard cast for head shots, and use my 375 H&H for hunting!! My 375 would need to be empty before I am going to switch to and open sighted handgun on a attacking bear!! Be Safe.

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I BACK OUR BLUE