load for black bear

[Kanewpadle]

You need something fast, hard, and heavy.

DoubleTap Ammunition

No hollow points.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I agree 100%....except you are absolutely wrong.
Black Bear are thick skinned with heavy layers of fat underneath. They are also heavy boned, with all the loose pieces knit together with fat and gristle. You flub the first shot and let it get angry and you will find out how heavily built they are. I've tiptoed through the laurel and taken a few too many apart to let that one go

That said, if you must use the .357 use the heavy cast bullets, you need penetration on Black Bears, HP will only cause superficial damage, and the bear will then cause you deep tissue damage.

Quite right.

They are tough, thick, and strong. Black bear can be more unpredictable and aggresive than browns.

Hollow points clog and deform altering thier path and causing premature fragmentation. Heavy hardcast lead bullets are needed for deep penetration. Hopefully breaking bones along the way.

I prefer a 44 mag.

 

[amd6547]

I wonder about the Fiocchi 142gn FMJTC load for black bear. I just bought some, have not had a chance to shoot any, but from what I read, it is a pretty hot 357mag load.