different ammo for different things

[miles71]

We seem to be very interested in self defense ammo for use against 2 legged threats, but what about other things? If I am out hiking on a trail and encounter a wolf or bear does my 45 with HST's or Rangers have the same stopping power for these furry guys or should I be carrying different ammo for such an occassion?

What do you guys think are the best rounds for the different situations? Is there any "best all around" ammo good for a bad guy attacking you at home and a black bear coming at you in your tent?

TD

 

[Steve C]

They'll work and are capable of killing various animals if you shoot them in the right place. Animals have a different presentation being on all 4's and thus where to aim will be different. A lot depends upon size of the animal, a 100 lb dog/wolf, a 200 -300lb black bear or a 600 lb Grisly.

In most cases if you are attacked by an animal intent of making you the evening meal, you won't have any warning, an attack isn't the same as you hunting them, rolls are reversed. They'll come at you from ambush, from overhead, behind or the side. Wolves or Dogs will attack in packs so you have more than one to deal with. Cougars will usually attack from above. All will come at you in a rush and most likely any shots you get off will be off the muzzle or contact if you are lucky enough to get your gun in action. In general they'll leave you alone unless you present yourself as being food.

Walking a small dog is like having a meal on a leash to a cougar. Our family doctor retired to Tucson and made the paper when he beat off a cougar with his walking stick that was intent on making his dog into breakfast when on his morning walk one day.

 

[Dragon88]

First, 45 Auto is not the correct caliber for bear defense. Also, SD ammo and bear defense ammo require different loadings. SD ammo should expand inside a human body, while critter defense is all about penetration. A 454 casull load meant for bear country would go right through a two-legged bad guy and probably a wall or two behind him. Good against the bear, bad in a self defense situation with innocents around.

 

[Kanewpadle]

First, 45 Auto is not the correct caliber for bear defense. Also, SD ammo and bear defense ammo require different loadings. SD ammo should expand inside a human body, while critter defense is all about penetration. A 454 casull load meant for bear country would go right through a two-legged bad guy and probably a wall or two behind him. Good against the bear, bad in a self defense situation with innocents around.

True. Hollow points are not very good for big four legged critters unless shooting rifles calibers.

FMJ or solid lead cast bullets are what's needed. The heavier and faster the better.

 

[SMSgt]

With bears you need to penetrate and break bones. In lieu of carefully aimed shots as in "hunting," few handgun calibers are capable of stopping a really pissed-off, aggressive gear as quickly as one would like. The .45 HP would be adequate for cougars and wolves--if you ever saw one up close.

 

[Sully]

True. Hollow points are not very good for big four legged critters unless shooting rifles calibers.

FMJ or solid lead cast bullets are what's needed. The heavier and faster the better.

Very true! I never saw any real reason to carry anything butt FMJ's in my 45 auto. Anything that needed shooting because it might eat me I wanted something to penetrate to the max.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

While Hard Cast bullets will do well on 4 legged creatures they are hard to find in Factory ammo in .45 Auto. FMJ ammo is better than JHP bullets but not the best IMO. I would suggest using a Jacketed Soft Point bullet for use in the woods if you have to carry a .45 Auto. If it were me I would be carrying a .357 Magnum revolver with JSP or Hard Cast bullets in the woods.

 

[miles71]

Interesting replys. I have never done any hunting and have thought of pistols as a self defense weapon against human bad guys. But lately thinking about animals.

Thus I have always thought of FMJ a target load but I suppose penetration would be key if confronted with a large animal.

No matter, placement I am sure would be key.

Next time I am in the woods I will carry my 686 with 357 JSP, my 4566 with HST's and a shotgun with slugs. Think anyone will notice?
TD

 

[NE450No2]

miles

In the field,
When I carry my 1911 in 45 ACP in bear country I use Buffalo Bore 230gr Flat Point ammo.

Same for my 4" 44 Mag S&W, I use 240 to 300gr lead hard cast bullets.

If I know I will spend some time in town, around people, then I carry a cylinder/magazine of "town" ammo, that has less penetration.

 

[NE450No2]

miles

In the field,
When I carry my 1911 in 45 ACP in bear country I use Buffalo Bore 230gr Flat Point ammo.

Same for my 4" 44 Mag S&W, I use 240 to 300gr lead hard cast bullets.

If I know I will spend some time in town, around people, then I carry a cylinder/magazine of "town" ammo, that has less penetration.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

No matter, placement I am sure would be key.

Next time I am in the woods I will carry my 686 with 357 JSP, my 4566 with HST's and a shotgun with slugs. Think anyone will notice?
TD

You are 100% correct that shot placement is key just like in SD against people. Problem is, you probably won't have much time to aim if you are attacked by an animal. (even though unlikely) I think your choice of a .357 Magnum loaded with JSP bullets is a good one... (make them at least 158gr if possible)

 

[147_Grain]

In 45 ACP for protection in the mountains, may I suggest the following loads for consideration:

Buffalo Bore:
255-gr. +P Hardcast @ 960 fps (45-255). .45 ACP +P Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

Double Tap:

255-gr. +P Hardcast Semi-Wadcutter @ 875 fps in 5” barrel. DoubleTap Ammunition