9mm Bear defense pistol ammo?

[BigNate]

There are quite a few videos on u tube comparing different bear defense ammo in all the popular cartridges.

Energy numbers don't mean much, but penetration does. In every test, in 10 %, 20% gel the heavy for caliber penetrates best. The 9mm did best with 147gr hard cast, 10mm did best with 200gr hard cast, as did 45 ACP, 45 Super, 44mag, 45 LC. Etc...
Do a little research, pick one, try to shoot it enough that you can actually make good hits. Noise does nothing.

 

[EmperorMA]

Here's what I run. Zero issues.

9mm Luger +P 147gr. Flat Nose Black Cherry Coated Hard Cast Hunting Ammo

Underwood Ammo offers the most comprehensive and innovative Underwood Ammo™ Supersonic Handgun Ammo for personal defense & hunting. Shop now 9mm Luger +P Lead ammo with Hi-Tek Coated Hard Cast.

underwoodammo.com

I did have some feed issues with the Xtreme Penetrators in both my 9mm & 10mm , so I wont recommend them

In which pistols with what (if any) mods?

 

[BigNate]

Here's another source of quality pistol ammo. https://www.lostriverammocompany.com/store/

 

[traildust]

In which pistols with what (if any) mods?

G43X with Shield 15round mag and Shield aluminum mag release

 

[EmperorMA]

G43X with Shield 15round mag and Shield aluminum mag release

Thanks.

I haven't been able to find the aluminum mag releases from Shield ..... only steel. Do you happen to have a link?

I am seriously thinking about a G48 MOS for this use.

 

[EmperorMA]

I think a 9MM is adequate for black bears, especially with specialty (non-range) ammo. However, I would not recommend hollow point bullets. You want more penetration to get through the tough hide, fat, and bone of a bear. I am assuming you are clear of Grizzly country. The range for a Grizzly is only in Montana, Wyoming (near Yellostone), and the Bitteroot area of Idaho. It would be EXTREMELY rare to encounter one in say, Colorado. Black bears are smaller and not as aggressive a grizzlies, and they are more timid. I have backpacked in the Smoky Mountains several times and never encountered one. An alternative to Buffalo Bore is Underwood Xtreme Penetrator +P in 115gr. MAKE SURE YOUR PISTOL CAN SAFELY FIRE A +P+. Many standard pistols can not, and it would be dangerous to do so. Also, have bear spray.

There are grizzlies roaming freely all through Idaho, with a fairly healthy population in the Panhandle and the Selkirks.

North Cascades National Park in NW Washington also has quite a few. They have been spotted as far south and East as I-90 near Cle Elum.

 

[Colby]

Pretty sure anything approved by the FBI would do the trick. Barrier blind with 12”- I think 18” of penetration.

 

[traildust]

Thanks.

I haven't been able to find the aluminum mag releases from Shield ..... only steel. Do you happen to have a link?

I am seriously thinking about a G48 MOS for this use.

Looks like the aluminum was only available on the 1st gen, now they recommend the steel mag releases.

Now my ocd is gonna get the best of me and make me purchase a steel release!

 

[rlynn27]

Famous Alaskan guide carries a 9mm for brown bear. I'd be hesitant to enter grizzly country with a 9mm, but if you are proficient with it, you're better off shooting with something you feel comfortable with and can shoot accurately.

An Official Journal Of The NRA | Alaska Outfitter Defends Fishermen from Raging Grizzly with 9mm Pistol

Two weeks ago, veteran outfitter Phil Shoemaker was guiding two fishing clients in the Alaska bush when the party came face to face with an enraged grizzly. Shoemaker, armed only with a 9mm semi-auto pistol, defended his clients and himself. Here’s his account …

www.americanhunter.org

"My pistol was loaded with Buffalo Bore 9mm +P Outdoorsman 147-grain FN hard-cast loads that have a muzzle velocity of 1100 fps. I had previously tested, compared and proven such loads with my .357 and .44 mags., and I was convinced they would work."

 

[BigNate]

Just because Shoemaker was armed with a 9mm doesn't mean that is his preferred choice.

He was on Ron Spomer' s podcast and had a few things to say if you listened. Yes it worked in that case.
Are you aware of how many times he shot it?