Bear Defense Bullet

[dfirkus83]

Hunting south west Montana this fall and looking for recommendations on which manufacturer and bullet to use in a 4" 44 Mag. I'm definitely looking for a good hardcast and currently looking at Underwood and Buffalo Bore, but are there any other bullet manufacturers that I should be looking at?

Also, not my first time hunting in bear country and I'm very bear aware and always carry bear spray on me, but this is my first time hunting in deep grizzly country.

 

[ThickPines]

I’d recommend against Buffalo Bore. Underwood is usually good stuff, also check out Lost River.

 

[dfirkus83]

I’d recommend against Buffalo Bore. Underwood is usually good stuff, also check out Lost River.

Thanks. I'm not that knowledgeable on handgun ammo, Buffalo Bore not reliable?

 

[ThickPines]

Thanks. I'm not that knowledgeable on handgun ammo, Buffalo Bore not reliable?

Independent testing has shown at least some of their available calibers to be over pressured. Not to mention that the owner has shown himself to be unsavory in some regards. I’d rather not bash some guy that I don’t know on the internet, but his past actions and comments are not hard to find if you’re interested.

 

[MTlan66]

Might also look at HSM Bear Load. I use it in my 45 Colt, and I’m very happy with accuracy and shootability, and the numbers are tremendous. I’ve never tried the 44 mag, but I have a few friends who use it.

 

[dfirkus83]

Independent testing has shown at least some of their available calibers to be over pressured. Not to mention that the owner has shown himself to be unsavory in some regards. I’d rather not bash some guy that I don’t know on the internet, but his past actions and comments are not hard to find if you’re interested.

Thank you!

 

[Kodiak06]

I wouldn't worry about it if hunting with a rifle...

 

[dfirkus83]

Might also look at HSM Bear Load. I use it in my 45 Colt, and I’m very happy with accuracy and shootability, and the numbers are tremendous. I’ve never tried the 44 mag, but I have a few friends who use it.

Thanks. Forgot about them. I'll see what they have.

I wouldn't worry about it if hunting with a rifle...

Most of my travel on foot, my rifle will be strapped on my pack. I don't want to chance not being able to get to it fast enough.

 

[Kodiak06]

Thanks. Forgot about them. I'll see what they have.

Most of my travel on foot, my rifle will be strapped on my pack. I don't want to chance not being able to get to it fast enough.

It's all preference and all we do is walk in hunts, but I can get my rifle off my pack pretty much as quick as I can my pistol off my chest and I prefer the power of the long gun. I lived on Kodiak Island and also hunted Cordova and Cold Bay a lot and never bothered with a sidearm nor did most of my hunting buddies. We did carry while fishing though. Have a great hunt

 

[Luke S]

Couple thoughts.

First, your average grizzly in the Rockies won't be 1000 pounds. IF you use a 44 I might consider something a bit softer then a hard cast. I suspect some expansion would be okay and you'd still get enough penetration. A bear you shoot probably won't have thinker bones than an elk. I'm not a handgun hunter but whatever guys use on elk with a 44 might be a good plan. We are not talking about Cape Buffalo here.

Second, I love revolvers. But if I'm honest I know I shoot a boring Glock better, way better and I've shot at targets that simulatote a bear charge. I sold my revolver after that. A mid sized 9mm or 10mm would be easier to carry and probably as effective because you're getting more hits. Trust me, I would NOT feel good if the only thing between me and a 9mm bullet was a bear skull or shoulder.