Mountain Lion defense ammo

[nate-dogg]

Hi guys. Im still new here so I hope I'm posting this in the correct spot. I'm going to be doing some hiking/camping in the timber this fall/winter and need opinions on my ammo selection. I don't have the funds to make a new firearm purchase right now so I narrowed it down to 66-2, 29-2, and Glock 22 and then finally decided 29-2. Now I just need to know if you guys think I should go with Hollow Point for expansion and eternal destruction or should I go with Full Metal Jacket for penetration?

Any response is much appreciated!
Also, if you are opposed to my choice of firearm, please tell me. And tell me why so I can better my chance of survival! Thanks!

 

[Texas Star]

Hi guys. Im still new here so I hope I'm posting this in the correct spot. I'm going to be doing some hiking/camping in the timber this fall/winter and need opinions on my ammo selection. I don't have the funds to make a new firearm purchase right now so I narrowed it down to 66-2, 29-2, and Glock 22 and then finally decided 29-2. Now I just need to know if you guys think I should go with Hollow Point for expansion and eternal destruction or should I go with Full Metal Jacket for penetration?

Any response is much appreciated!
Also, if you are opposed to my choice of firearm, please tell me. And tell me why so I can better my chance of survival! Thanks!

I'd carry the M-66 with 158 grain JHP or JSP ammo or the .44 with 240 grain JSP. Actually, many HP rounds would probably work on cougar/mountain lion/puma. They aren't as heavily constructed as a bear.

I once published an article on this matter in a gun magazine. I concluded that a .357 is usually a fine choice.

Pro hunters and trappers may use a .22 or .22 Magnum, but they have the cat in a trap or up a tree, with hounds below.

Go to a zoo or natural history museum and study those cats from an anatomical standpoint. Watch how live ones move and how fast. Imagine a sight picture on the cat and think where you'd shoot. Learn where to shoot animals in an attacking mode. Bullet placement is VITAL.

BTW, I know of a game warden who killed a grizzly bear with an M-66 and 158 grain loads, but do not know his exact ammo brand. The bear had him down and the lethal hit was to the bear 's heart.

 

[gimmyguns]

44 mag is a very good choice for defense from bigger predators like mountain lions. Any traditional hollow point or soft point bullet will do just fine for stopping power on an animal that size. Just choose the one that shoots the best out of your gun. You will be well armed IMO

 

[JohnRippert]

With what I own it would either be my Model 65 3in or my Model 19 4in RB with 158 JSP ammo.

 

[rburg]

Mountain lions aren't particularly massive animals. Most aren't heavier than a large man. They are well muscled. But keep in mind the experience of professional guides. They tell you the lions aren't hard to kill. I'm leaning toward the Glock just because it seems better for follow up shots. If you're a great shot and can react to an animal you may not even see, go for it with the big magnum. But it might be good to practice with the guns you're considering and the ammo. Choose the one you do best with. If a 22 will do the job, so can any of the guns you've listed.

 

[Neumann]

I would be inclined to carry hard cast bullets over FMJ. Bronze jackets are pretty thin, over soft lead, and deform easily. Buffalo Bore comes to mind. Mountain lions aren't particularly large, so perhaps SD ammo like Hornady Critical Duty would give a good combination of penetration v expansion.

This is all moot against an animal which is practically invisible and will attack from the rear. You might consider attaching plastic eyes from a craft shop to the back of your hat or jacket. Farmers in India use that to discourage tigers, and a lot of small critters invoke a similar defense with eyespots as protective coloration.

 

[901-Memphis]

I'd use a heavy hard cast 300+ GR bullet in case you encounter something bigger you'll be totally prepared.

If a mountain lion is the absolute biggest thing you'll encounter you'll want to pick something you shoot well and doesn't recoil excessively would be wise. The 300 gr Hornady JHP/XTP is a good bullet too and many people load them.

 

[Cal44]

Is a big cat any tougher than a human?

Seems like a 357 magnum, or a 40 s&w, or 45 cal would suffice.

 

[Bozz10mm]

Is a big cat any tougher than a human?

No, but you have to shoot it 9 times.

 

[Watchdog]

I don't think you'll be attacked by a mountain lion.

 

[Bob R]

Cats are fairly thin skinned so a 357 with any defensive ammo should work just fine. Of course the chance of you seeing the cat before he clamps down on your head is slim to none. It has been my experience, 3 cats, that when directly confronted they really don't want to have a lot to do with humans unless they are toddler to very small adult size. Depending on the time of year when I go into the woods I carry a 25-5, a 10mm or a 12 gauge with Breneeke slugs. And I always have a small game and cougar tag with me because you just never know. Calling predators may bring in more than just the 'yotes.

bob

 

[nate-dogg]

Mountain lions aren't particularly massive animals. Most aren't heavier than a large man. They are well muscled. But keep in mind the experience of professional guides. They tell you the lions aren't hard to kill. I'm leaning toward the Glock just because it seems better for follow up shots. If you're a great shot and can react to an animal you may not even see, go for it with the big magnum. But it might be good to practice with the guns you're considering and the ammo. Choose the one you do best with. If a 22 will do the job, so can any of the guns you've listed.

I was originally going to go with my glock 40s&w for the same reason you said, follow up shots. I can fit 15 rounds in it. But I decided against it because my wife will be staying at home while I'm out and that is what she prefers for home defense. She is very efficient with that glock!

 

[nate-dogg]

I don't think you'll be attacked by a mountain lion.

I agree, but in the unfortunate event that I was, I want to live to tell the story!

 

[poordevil]

In about 1947 my Grandmother was hanging laundry outside in Westmoreland CA. in the Imperial Valley, Imperial County, CA. A mountain lion wandered on the property and she killed it with a Remington .22 rifle.

 

[Tom_R]

If you are going to use a Model 29 I would suggest 44 special hollow points.

Magnums are not really a good choice for a Mountain Lion in my opinion.

BTW the Mountain Lion will get you from behind on your neck if it does get you.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Either should be fine with hollow points or FMJ. Study the habits of mountain lions. They normally don't lay in wait. They normally stalk you from behind. Pay attention. Watch your six.

 

[Kifaru]

Most attacks on humans are from juvenile cats because they are inexperienced hunters, and, being cats, they are curious. Most mountain lions will not attack an adult human male unless the cat is desperately weakened by illness or injury.

This summer in Colorado, a woman attacked a mountain lion in her backyard with only her bare hands in order to pry her 5-year-old son out of its jaws. Both the woman and the child got pretty scratched up, but they retained no permanently disabling physical injuries. The point is, determination and unwavering resolve will serve you far better than any hog leg. Carry what is easy to tote, and load it with a round that you can shoot well to point of aim. If you make sure you have your mind right, the rest will take care of itself.

 

[Boge]

I just reach out & grab 'em.............................like The Donald. Ha!!

 

[Absalom]

It's a mountain lion, not a lion. Houndsmen shoot them with .22 magnums and such to not ruin the pelt. That doesn't mean that would be a good choice for a defensive caliber, but cougars are thin-skinned, don't have thick skulls like bears and are not tough to kill. Anything that will kill a dog will kill a cougar. Loading up with a .44 magnum and hardcast bullets is significant overkill and may actually be counterproductive; cougars move fast, and fast, accurate follow-up shots (because you missed the first time) from a medium caliber may be more helpful than some heavy-recoil hand cannon. As has already been mentioned, people successfully fight cougars off with brooms, shovels and even bare hands.

 

[Cal44]

Cougars are related to the small cat families, and from what I've read share some common traits with them.

Cats know instinctively that any serious injury can be fatal even if they aren't killed immediately. (Infection)

So they seek prey significantly smaller and weaker -- rabbits, various small rodents, up thru small deer.

Adult humans are too big and dangerous to be easy meals -- unless the cat is desperate or rabid. Instincts developed over the last 20,000 years indicate attacking humans doesn't end well.