CoalCrackerAl
Single-Sixer
When we hike. I carry my SBH loaded with Hornady 240 grain XTP. And a 10mm 1911 loaded with 180 grain hard cast. Also our dogs go with us. They would warn us hopefully.
How did the .44 magnum hard cast bullet do in comparison to the .45 colt hard cast?I gave the velocities of my 45 Colt loads above. I also carried a Ruger 41 mag with hardcast handloads. It appeared to give better penetration than did the 44 mag. As I mentioned, the loads were all "hot" handloads. The 44 mag loads were factory 240 gr hollow points. My 10mm loads have an MV of 1200 fps and are 220 gr. Many factors can affect ballistics tables, including type of gun (test barrels?), length, and "optimistic" reporting.
As a biologist, one thing you learn is to view "paper stats" with skepticism. What counts is "real world" experience! We/I shot a large sow (~275lbs). I shot six 357 180 gr hard cast into a 3" group just behind her ear (4" GP100). She turned to charge me and my buddy shot her from 5 feet with my 300 mag and THEN she dropped! I have been (bluff) charged by one bear and seriously charged by several wild pigs of both sexes and know how little time you have to react. That is why I prefer spray over bullets. (I was certified to use and to certify others in the use of bear spray and certified to use firearms)
You may be interested to know that the Danish Sirius Dogsled Patrols in Greenland go out for weeks, if not months, at a time and face polar bears very frequently, as well as muskox. The CHOSE the Glock 20 for protection against these bears (LARGEST species) that consider man natural prey!
In general, the hard cast slugs did better than JSP or JHP bullets. I preferred the 41 Mag because it SEEMED to give better penetration. I think the 45 Colt did better than the 44 mag and that's what I carry here in grizzly country (along with spray!)How did the .44 magnum hard cast bullet do in comparison to the .45 colt hard cast?
This comment is ludicrous! Griz have been in the lower 48 for more than a few decades (Davis, Cali. was known as Grizzly Thickets in the 1800's) and Yellowstone may be the current "media" sensation but the Griz are in many places outside of Glacier and Jellystone! Check out "bear attacks" on google for some real life survival events, not armchair pontifications and speculation. Start with the Soda Butte Campground attacks of the sow teaching her cubs about the "soft on the outside, crunchy on the inside" food. How about the camper dragged from his tent at the West Yellowstone CG? Spray and a large bore weapon is you have the opportunity to use them may let you live to tell the tale!the only place in the continental US that brown bears (Grizzlies) live is only in Yellowstone Park.
not really only IF you hit the vitals other then that it just passes right on through.and the yote is gone.The 5.7 is good for coyotes, not bears
There are ballistic tip and hollow point projectiles that work great at 5.7x28 velocitynot really only IF you hit the vitals other then that it just passes right on through.and the yote is gone.
Obviously you would want head shots if possible. That round should pierce a bears skull, plus 20 rounds and decent recoil might be more advantageous? Thoughts?
Be advised there IS such a round as a 45 Mag......... But you mentioned a 45 Magnum, which I do not believe exists. Did you mean a .44 Magnum?
Yellowstone Park.
How is a .41 Mag what a .44 Mag should have been??? The .41 mag has power that is right between the .357 mag and the .45 LC - .357 Mag is at 907 ft. lbs., the .41 Mag is 1,100 ft. lbs., the .45 LC is 1,344 ft. Lbs, and the .44 Mag is 1,433 ft. lbs. But there are 4 other revolvers which have a lot more power than the .44 Mag, and any of these would take care of a bear at relatively close range. The 454 Casull goes up to 2,000-2,200 ft. lbs., the .468 S&W goes up to 2,899 ft. lbs., and the .500 S&W goes up to 3.040. All of this data is from my ballistics file.A 41 mag is no joke. In my opinion is what a 44 should have been. That being said it's enough. A charging bear is a must win. A shotgun or rifle is better.