Which 44 mag round for bear?

[vipermd]

Funny thing, bear attacks are way i the back of my mind after living in the UP of Mi for 17 yrs. I carry my Sigma 40 when I go to bait the bears. When hunting I walk out in the dark without a light, but do have my 38 bodyguard in my pocket. My real fear is skunks, humans, then ( cougar, bear, wolf, coyote in that order. ) I have checked my trail cams and had a sow with cubs on the bait, went in refilled the bait, and left. The bears were back in 12-15 min. I never knew they were there till I was pulling up the photos. Hunting I use a 240 XTP for both bear and deer or when I am in the mood one of the 500's with 350 XTP;s. If you believe that you are at risk- everyone is - I would carry bear spray as my first choice, my 44 as a second choice. I would also practice trying to hit a 3 gallon bucket coming at you at 20-30 mph, since the best load in the world is not effective with a miss. Well time to go bait! Season starts next week!! Be safe.

 

[Jitterbug]

I'd agree Black bears usually don't bother people, however we've had quite a few incidences here in Colorado, the most recent one I'm aware of happened a couple of days ago.

The bear apparently become upset when his dinner was disturbed by the homeowner.

Man who shot and killed intruding bear in Estes Park will not face charges - The Denver Post

 

[Jst1mr]

I've killed more than a few with my Model 29. Throw those JHP's away. Best commercial stuff I've used: CorBon Hunter 305gr flat point penetrator at 1250fps.

 

[mtgianni]

Elmer's recommendation was a heavy, hard-cast solid at 1200-1400 fps for penetration to the vitals.

Elmers "hardcast" was a 1 in 16 instead of his normal 1 in 20 tin to lead. Both are a lot softer than todays wheel weights about 10 BHN. That is a very different bullet than the "hardcast" marketed today @ 19-22 BHN. Heavy for Elmer in the 44 was 240-250 gr, mid-range to light by todays bullet weights. We really don't know what he would do with todays variety but we do know that what he used worked well on more game than most of us will ever see.

 

[Ceapea]

On the other hand, bees, snakes, and especially other human beings, pose a much greater threat in my experience. Flapjack.

I agree. Since I carry whenever it's legal and I will be out in the boonies, "other people" are my main concern. And since I'll be carrying anyway, I might as well have a weapon that can handle anyone (or anything) that comes down the trail and still be readily available.
Otherwise, I have nothing against the bears. I have never seen one in the wild and really hope never to do so. I'm all for leaving them be, as long as they are leaving me be.