Smallest caliber you trust in bear country?

[Fredo Batali]

I'm thinking .40 millimeter HE, very portable in the M79 "Thumper". Works every time

De Oppresso Liber

 

[rojodiablo]

Who said OP was joking, I did not see an LOL or a smiley suggesting any humor. I will not be hiking with this person ever. And if I were too I would surley let them lead the way.

Remember the commercial- 'Yeah, it's a steak medallion! Just wear it around your neck. A mountain lion will be along any time."

 

[Cyrano]

When I was stationed in Alaska in the '60s, I carried a 458 for a while, but it was heavy. I switched to a Remington 760 pump carbine in 30-06. Loaded with 220 gr Silvertips, it seemed perfetly adequate for close up encounters with any bear I might run across. I still have the orignal box of 220s, with only a few missing. The 10 round magazine was much more comforting than the original Remington 4 rounder.