So don't have a 10mm .357 or anything along those lines just my 9mm right now. I saw that underwood makes some 147 grain +P+ fmj fn and have bought some but I'm wondering if in a punch if it would work on bear. I live in maine so I kinda wanna carry at least a pistol with me when I am in the woods. Moose and bear where I live and I don't exactly want some spray to fend them off if I need to. I Would carry my 30-06 all the time but that would raise some eyebrows.
Woods ammo
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Buffalo Bore 9mm+p outdoorsman. 147 gr. hard cast.
I hate to say it, but a 9mm is way, way undersized for defense against a bear. Regardless of the pressure rating. In fact a .357 is a little undersized for that role. Will it eventually kill the animal, yes with a good shot it will kill it. However that is if you can make a great shot under pressure. Tough to do. However, stopping a bear is done with a shot to the brain or disabling him with a shoulder or spine shot. To break those bones that is why large bore rifles are carried by guides. A 9mm won't do that. If you are really worried about large black bears you should get a .44, 454, or 460 if it needs to be a pistol.
That being said, a gun is better than a knife. So in the meantime I'd carry what you have.
That being said, a gun is better than a knife. So in the meantime I'd carry what you have.
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Hey, another bear thread! 
Bear spray, avoid contact if you can, carry what you have and practice, practice, practice...
Bear spray, avoid contact if you can, carry what you have and practice, practice, practice...
Davinman
Member
Walking in bear woods, I have carried a 2" 357mag, loaded with 180gr hard cast. But I think the best defense against an angry bear would be a 12 gauge shotgun and slugs.
ColbyBruce
Member
It appears to me you have an opportunity to go handgun shopping.
A few years ago, a fellow camping killed a bear with a stick of firewood. Anything is possible, if one is desperate.
A few years ago, a fellow camping killed a bear with a stick of firewood. Anything is possible, if one is desperate.
iPac
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I would not trust a 9mm for a bear. The smallest caliber I would trust is 357mag, but I usually carry a 44mag.
I watched a full grown sow take a 45lc point blank to the back of the head from an 8" Anaconda and the bullet never exited. A 9mm isn't going to do anything other than tick it off. Which is what most any caliber bullet will do unless a vital organ is hit. So in most cases a gun will not help if you are attacked. If you don't kill, it will probably make it attack more aggressively.
However, something is better than nothing. Although, I would buy a can of bear spray if all I had was a 9mm to take. You can get the really good bear spray for about $35 on Amazon. I have considered it before, and in reality is what one should have.
I watched a full grown sow take a 45lc point blank to the back of the head from an 8" Anaconda and the bullet never exited. A 9mm isn't going to do anything other than tick it off. Which is what most any caliber bullet will do unless a vital organ is hit. So in most cases a gun will not help if you are attacked. If you don't kill, it will probably make it attack more aggressively.
However, something is better than nothing. Although, I would buy a can of bear spray if all I had was a 9mm to take. You can get the really good bear spray for about $35 on Amazon. I have considered it before, and in reality is what one should have.
I want to carry my 30-06 out there with me but I just don't think it would be right. I don't really want to be put onto some police list as a nut job carrying an 06 in the woods in case of a bear. Our game wardens are STRICT and I don't necessarily wanna be stopped every time I am in the woods cuz I have a rifle slung on my back. Ultimately I may have to and a 30 06 would give me far more comfort against a bear or moose then a handgun if I had to carry one.
digiroc
Member
Bear Killed with 9mm Smith
Well it worked for this guy
American Hunter | Alaska Outfitter Defends Fishermen from Raging Grizzly with 9mm Pistol
I still think at least a .44 would give me a better feeling about walking in bear country, but I'd have bear spray in my off hand and try that first.
digiroc
Well it worked for this guy
American Hunter | Alaska Outfitter Defends Fishermen from Raging Grizzly with 9mm Pistol
I still think at least a .44 would give me a better feeling about walking in bear country, but I'd have bear spray in my off hand and try that first.
digiroc
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