[CA357]

I'll be heading to the High Sierra for camping this Summer. I wanted a round for my GP100 that would handle a bear if it ever became necessary. I found these CorBon 200gr. hard cast rounds at Ammunition to Go.

Ammunition To Go : 20rds - 357 Mag Corbon 200gr. Hard Cast Ammo [HT357200HC/20] - $26.95

[Zacsquatch]

Hope they are small bears.. haha... I know folks who carry .357's up here for grizz... true, shot placement is key and even a .45 will work if you aim, but in a blind fury charge.. I want a .44 at least.

[gadrooning]

buffalo bore hardcast rounds are good as well.

[CA357]

I couldn't find .357mag hard cast in Buffalo Bore or I would have bought it.

California black bears aren't exactly tiny, although they are smaller than some other species. However, since I don't own a .44 at the present time, my .357 will have to do. Shooting at a bear is the last resort since I plan on giving any bear a wide berth or running like hell.

Then again, I may have a .44 by the time the first camping trip rolls around. Anybody got one they want to sell cheap?

[Viking]

Originally Posted by Zacsquatch

Hope they are small bears.. haha... I know folks who carry .357's up here for grizz... true, shot placement is key and even a .45 will work if you aim, but in a blind fury charge.. I want a .44 at least.

Zacsquatch puts forth wisdom. I have a friend that hunts black bear here in Southern Oregon and he told me of a hunting experience with a friend that shot a bear in a tree with 44 mag, in fact unloaded all six rounds while the pissed bear was coming down the tree. As the bear came to the bottom of the tree he was fumbling with the speed loader finally getting it reloaded and while firing the fatal rounds my friend said there was steam coming from the bear where the rounds were entering. I suspect that his friend came the closest to soiling his britches since his being a kid in diapers.
The truth is, whatever you take, .357 or .44, just remember bear have very thick skulls so shot placement is extremely important.

[doctherock]

Originally Posted by Viking

Zacsquatch puts forth wisdom. I have a friend that hunts black bear here in Southern Oregon and he told me of a hunting experience with a friend that shot a bear in a tree with 44 mag, in fact unloaded all six rounds while the pissed bear was coming down the tree. As the bear came to the bottom of the tree he was fumbling with the speed loader finally getting it reloaded and while firing the fatal rounds my friend said there was steam coming from the bear where the rounds were entering. I suspect that his friend came the closest to soiling his britches since his being a kid in diapers.
The truth is, whatever you take, .357 or .44, just remember bear have very thick skulls so shot placement is extremely important.

neck, lungs, chest, never in the head, it is so hard that typically the rounds glance off. Have a buddy that hunts bear here in oregon and you have to hit somewhere other than the head or become bear scat

[CA357]

And to think that I used to just carry a .22 revolver. Of course, I could run faster in those days.

[spittinfire]

I think you'll be well armed with that ammo. I would feel comfortable carrying it in bear country here in NC.

[gadrooning]

Originally Posted by CA357

I couldn't find .357mag hard cast in Buffalo Bore or I would have bought it.

California black bears aren't exactly tiny, although they are smaller than some other species. However, since I don't own a .44 at the present time, my .357 will have to do. Shooting at a bear is the last resort since I plan on giving any bear a wide berth or running like hell.

Then again, I may have a .44 by the time the first camping trip rolls around. Anybody got one they want to sell cheap?

see link for ammo
Heavy .357 Magnum Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

[CA357]

Thanks for the link. I bookmarked it. For some reason, I couldn't find .357 in the Buffalo Bore. Weird.