[willfully armed]

Data does not lie.

2 pounds are heavier than 1.

750fpe is more than 550fpe.

Buffalo Bore 180gr 357 pushes 758fpe.

750fpe is 44mag @ factory pressure for 240gr.

Were I him, id use a 41 mag... he doesn't have a 41 mag.

 

[CA357]

I've been shooting since I was fifteen and I'm now sixty two. I know my skills and I know my limitations and I'm not Rambo or Grizzly Adams, but I am a pretty fair shooter. I've lived in the mountains whenever it was possible, mostly the Sierra Nevada's. There were black bears there, but they stayed pretty much out of sight except for a few that developed a taste for garbage. Those would show up on occasion and snack on people's trash. I've never lived where I might just bump into one walking a trail. So, I'm actually pretty ignorant about bears and cougars in general and that's why I started this thread. I asked for people's opinions and I thank you all for the input.

At this point, having just moved I'm very restricted financially. I'd love to have a 4" Model 629 or 29. But I can't afford it. A Blackhawk is in my price range, but I'm not a fan of single action revolvers. I've had a few OM Blackhawks and OM Vaqueros and I liked them fine, but in a panic situation, I'd rather have a double action. I'm beginning to think that I should pass on the Security Six and just wait longer, save up some more and buy a .44 magnum.

Right now as far as long guns, my woods gun is a Mossberg 9200 loaded with 1.5oz. slugs. I'd really like a .45-70 lever gun and maybe that will be possible come Spring. For the time being, I'll see what I can do about going to the .44.

 

[nitestalker]

CA357 sounds like you are making some good choices. I live with the Black and the Brown Bears. My first gun is always the Mdl. 97 12 Ga. Winchester with a 20 " barrel. I cast my slugs with the LEE Slug Mold 1 1/4 Oz. from 50/50 WW to Linotype. This slug uses the standard plastic shotcup wad used for shot loads. There is no need for expensive Sabots. These slugs loaded with a charge of HS-6 are very accurate. This allows you to practise all you want with your slugs the price is very low per shot. I also use the Lee Buck shot mold with the same alloy. These shells are loaded Buck Shot and Slug every other one.
The problem is you just don't have the shotgun in hand 24-7. The handgun in Bear Country should be a constant companion. I carry the LAR Grizzly .45 Winchester Magnum in the LAR cross chest holster rig. A friend was taken out by a big sow grizz a few years back. He survived because his pard put a handful of .270s in the old girl. He never goes out now without 2 handguns. One on his chest and one on the pack frame.
Good Luck

 

[Bigcat]

I can always tell shooters who rely on loading manuals and those that use firearms. :

I can always tell posters who dont try to address the OP's question:

"I'd rather have a .44 Magnum, but a .357 Magnum is what I have. I'd like your opinion on which of these two choices would work best for bear and a woods load in general"

 

[nitestalker]

Bluez you are out of your league. Just set down and let Jesse rob the train.

 

[orangello]

I'm sure orangello will approve of any bullet that takes down a bear...he loves them

Yup, i was misting up a bit reading this thread. If only the world would come to see that bearskin makes the best soccer balls.

 

[DodgerBlue]

I know, stop shooting bears, let them go about their lives as we do and then you wont have to worry about grains, calibers, ect.

Then you all can just hug it out till the best ammo is agreed on.

 

[hmh]

I have no idea but I am wondering would smaller and faster be better so the bullet would reach the vitals. Or does the .357 have enuf to push the heavy to the vitals?

 

[Bigcat]

self delete, not worth it.

 

[nitestalker]

Robo the Llama is also used to chase dogs and coyotes. Many of the big sheep ranches have used the Llamas to discourage sheep kills. Sheep kills in the Northern Rocky Mtns. run about 11,000 head per state per year from coyotes. The average cost per head this year runs about $132. The cost per coyote killed from aircraft is $193 dollars per coyote. Llamas are chase animals but rarely catch or kill dogs or coyotes.
The rise in the wolf population is changing the game. The wolves can and do kill livestock and guard animals of all kinds. The wolve and the Lion are big serious killers. We had a young healthy man killed south of my place 2 years ago by a Lion. This is a mature wolf killed this winter.

 

[CA357]

Robo the Llama is also used to chase dogs and coyotes. Many of the big sheep ranches have used the Llamas to discourage sheep kills. Sheep kills in the Northern Rocky Mtns. run about 11,000 head per state per year from coyotes. The average cost per head this year runs about $132. The cost per coyote killed from aircraft is $193 dollars per coyote. Llamas are chase animals but rarely catch or kill dogs or coyotes.
The rise in the wolf population is changing the game. The wolves can and do kill livestock and guard animals of all kinds. The wolve and the Lion are big serious killers. We had a young healthy man killed south of my place 2 years ago by a Lion. This is a mature wolf killed this winter.

Wow! Large indeed.

Anyway, the problem is solved. I bought a used Super Blackhawk and will shoot Buffalo Bore 340gr. Cast +P+'s.

 

[Bigcat]

So maybe you need ot chnage your screename to CA44Mag

 

[CA357]

Nah. The .357 holds a place in my heart and always will.