Woods Self Defense .....Bears

[Bob K]

You know it had to happen.......another bear thread!!!!

I mostly carry a M-36 snubby when out in the nearby river & woods. I have been using +P 158 Gr. LSWCHP (FBI load) for protection from predators (2 or 4 legs), figuring that people or coyotes were my worst problems. But, having some black bears in the area, makes them a posiblility. I seriously doubt that this load would have much effect on bears! (Probably stop in the heavy muscle, or bone.) What would I need for my M-36, to get some penetration? (Mostly for my thick skull , for carrying a .38 snubby. )

I do have a M-66-1 2 1/2" with +P 158 gr. JSP, that I carry out in the Berkshires sometimes. Probably should carry it more. Bob

[David Lapell]

I would have to look up my load date, but for a bear in a .38 Special, I would use my 170 grain #358429's which I load up with Win 231, I don't have my load data here. My loads are not +P though since my M & P is on the older side. The old 358429 is a wonderful bullet for penetration on game. Personally I would not carry anything less than a .357 if I was expecting to even see bears, because you are right, most times you are more likely to have troubles to encounter a two legged predator vs four legged. And in a .357 Smith N-frame since the cylinder is a bit shorter, I carry mine with 162 grain solid SWC's #358156 bullets for everything.

[Hunter]

A bear thread!! I don't think we had one here in a while!! If you hit an average bear black in NY around 150 to 200 lbs with that FBI load, I would think it put a hurting on it. But if you encounter a Momma bear who weight 300 lbs. or more I would I want at least a .44 on my side.

I never shot a bear, but I think the problem with shooting at a bear would be hitting the vitals because even hitting the vital isn't going to stop it in its tracks, I would think only a spine or head shot would do that.

[gearchecker]

We have big bears out here and there are two things I always have with me. My Model 66 .357. The other thing I always have with me is another person that runs slower than I do.

[Injunbro]

While I doubt any handgun load would be a reliable bear stopper I carry my favorite 3" .357 M60 w/ 158 gr. hollowpoints. From butchering, looking @ a few skulls & heavily muscled carcases I think it would take a LOT more powerful handgun than anything I own. You could always carry your M36 & save the last round for yourself... worked for Custer's men

[LeMat]

I have run into just one black bear, but have run into 3 browns. I don't like to carry anything less than 44 mag with 300gr hardcast. More often I carry a 45 Colt with 300gr Cast Performance thumpers in front of 21.5gr of H110.

Thankfully none of them have gotten aggressive as I almost felt like throwing up afterwards even though it was not confrontational. The closest was a big brown who came out from the tree line not 15 yards in front of me, looked at me a few seconds and merely went on his way.

I wouldn't feel undergunned with a .357 and a good load if it were just black bears.

[WendyZXZ]

The other thing I always have with me is another person that runs slower than I do.

Now that is funny right now.

No bears in this area, but for black bear I would prefer at least a .357 Magnum with a heavier weight and constructed bullet for the penetration.

[Bob K]

I really don't expect to have any trouble with black bears. That's why I carry a .38 Spl., anyway. The FBI load seems to be the best for self defense, in a .38! (Unless you load your own!) But, you've confirmed my use of a .357 158gr. JSP in the 66.....just in case. I would prefer something in .44, but I don't own one. Thanks Bob

[JohnFox]

The other thing I always have with me is another person that runs slower than I do.

Brenda always carries our lucky ham with us.....

[Bob K]

Dom......would that be for the bear....or myself???? Might need a .44 for myself!!!!! Bob