ammo for bear
I am going camping and fishing next week in an area I know is frequented by bears etc. I have a .357 with 4" and one with 6" barrel. I know I should have a bigger gun, that being said what would be the best ammo to have on hand? Also taking a model 94 in 30-30 for camp gun. Any suggestions would be appreciated
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S&W .460 or .500 if you can handle them. 4 or 5 times more power than your .357. 0 -
could probably physically handle them but checkbook can't. Looking at getting a raging bull in a few weeks. Easier on the pocketbook. 0 -
Get the biggest,heaviest bullet you can find for that 6" .357. Something like a 158 grain or bigger SWC. Don't think about using a lite, fast bullet. You want a "slow sledge hammer" to stop a charging
bear, not a fragile quick "pin prick". bob0 -
Gashauler,
Camping & fishing can attract the critters. If you are tenting, set up a cook shack/lean-too at least 100 yards from your sleeping spot.
Wash up well & change clothes before going to your sleeping tent. Leave all cosmetics/scented lotions etc. home. Clean up as you go, never leave food or dirty dishes to attract attention to your camp site. Store all food supplies away from camp & suspended from a tree well above ground.
The guns mentioned are on the low end of the power spectrum for "bear guns". If it's the best you have, they are better than none. Get the heaviest bullet loads avalible with a solid point (NO HOLLOW POINTS). If you have a shotgun, it & slugs are the best formula!
Good luck with the fish, Jim
P.S. don't forget to post pictures of the trip/catch!0 -
Midway ships quickly, so I would try one of these two:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=616233
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=9968120 -
A .357 with a heavy solid bullet is plenty for black bear. Browns are a different story. 0 -
If all you've got is a .357, then try this ammo from Buffalo Bore. Its probably the most powerful commercially available .357 on the market, and designed specifically for bear country:
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=100
Read more about it here:
http://www.gunblast.com/MilesFortis-AKChurch_BuffaloBore.htm0 -
Shot some of the Buffalo 2 weeks ago- 6" S&W Combat Masterpiece.
YOWZA !!!
Thought I had picked up the 44 by mistake!0 -
Here is another suggestion:
http://www.grizzlycartridge.com/-strse-Grizzly-Cartridge-cln-357-MAG/Categories.bok0 -
"Any suggestions would be appreciated". Well, since you asked..
You didn't say what kind of bear territory. If browns, good advice above. If blacks, they're more scared of you than you of them. Fire, noise, etc will keep them away. More of a trashcan raider than anyghing else. Keep your .357 strapped to your waist for peace of mind. Please don't shoot the blacks. They'll amble off.
I'm now on my third blackie that roams my yard since I've moved in. One was poisoned [Forest Ranger report], one hit by an auto. So I know I'm on my third up here. When they all have commenced to raid my trashcan, they'd lope-off at the first notice of me making a fuss.
Actually, I think they're kinda neat to have around. Best, Joe0 -
Sweet thanks for the help. I am here is AZ so I believe they are black bears, had several friends that went to the same spot saw bears but they just kind of sniffed around and then split. Since I am not hunting them would rather watch them, and fish. However always nice to have a piece of mind. Will look for the above mentioned ammo here in town as this is kind of a last minute thing and don't have time to order it. Thanks again for the help. 0
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