Is this .38 Special ammunition sufficient?

[Valmet]

Unsure if it’s an alloy version but I’ve had issues with the FBI load in the past with the Airweights as recoil caused bullets to loosen at the case neck which sometimes can lock up the cylinder. No input with regards to bear ammo, but something to keep in mind if hers is a lightweight gun.

 

[jeeps]

158 hard cast to 170 swc, at 900-1100 fps ,penatration is queen!!

 

[Uraldriver]

I wouldn’t willingly go to war with a bear with a 38, but if that’s all you have one of the high power 38 loads with a 158 grain SWC would be better than nothing.

 

[HardToHandle]

Interesting reads from all.
I was merely a tourist in Montana this summer, but had the standard wadcutters in my Model 10. I figured if I had a run-in, I needed to hit first.

Here is some data, which seems to bear out what folks are saying-
https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/

 

[riverrat38]

According to gel tests I've seen with the FBI load and a 2 inch barrel, the bullet will likely act more like a plain SWC. Seems to take 4" barrel velocity to get expansion, so maybe the bullet will get sufficient penetration. These were on the Lucky Gunner site.

73,
Rick

 

[Nevada Ed]

If I had to use a 38 special load for bear protection,

I would swap it in a heart beat for one of the spears that the African natives use for loins.

I would think that my chances of surviving an attach , would be much better.

 

[BAM-BAM]

My Pennsylvania "Woods carry" is a 158gr soft point .357 magnum out of a 3-4" barrel.

If she was actually dealing with a Black Bear situation ..... I doubt she'd notice the recoil!!!!!!!!

 

[djohns6]

The actual question was not what to carry , but " Is this round sufficient " ? No it is not , in most cases .

 

[xfarfuldog]

Hard cast SWC would be best. If it has to be a handgun, use 44 mag. Maybe consider a Glock 10 mm with the hard cast bullets.