.357 or .44 for Bear... (not a defense thread)

bill c68

bill c68

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I am considering a handgun hunt in Maine, this year or next. Unfortunately my job doesn't allow me to stray too far from home in the fall so it looks like a spring bear hunt might be in order.
I just bought a S&W .44 mag that I am thinking might be the tool of choice.
It is supposed to be a tack driver, according to the previous owner.

Now a .44 at 50 yds should be a sufficient tool for the job but I got thinking later.... what if I needed a few follow up shots (not planning on needing one) would a .357 be a better choice? I am thinking, trying to shoot 3 or 4 shots accurately in DA might be difficult with the .44s recoil.

Also, while I am at it.... any opinions on the .44 or the .357 as a hunting round from a 6" bbl?

by the way, we are talking Black bear here... likely 100-300 pounds.
 
If your an able person at all and your loafers aren't on the light side, the '44 recoil is manageable. Plus...while hunting, who notices recoil or noise anyway. My opinion is the '44. If you practice, a well placed .357 or .44 load will do the job effectively. The animal might just stay down longer after getting hit with a 300 gr. hollow point 44.
 
kell2784 said:
If your an able person at all and your loafers aren't on the light side, the '44 recoil is manageable. Plus...while hunting, who notices recoil or noise anyway. My opinion is the '44. If you practice, a well placed .357 or .44 load will do the job effectively. The animal might just stay down longer after getting hit with a 300 gr. hollow point 44.
Click to expand...

I have only fired a few target loads from a .44, my new Smith should be here Tuesday.... I will shoot the #### out of it on the weekend and see. i have jsut heard comments on the recoil.
 
I have no doubt that the .44 would be a better choice but the .357 will work . The pic is me with my 4 inch , heavy barreled Ruger Security Six in .357 mag . 158 grain JSP over a heavy dose of 296 at 35 yards . One shot .
meruger357158grJSP25yrs225lbs.jpg
 
One well placed shot is all you will get, dont worry about dumping all your rounds in him after that first crack he will be gone like lightning. 50 yards is good practice but you can hunt closer if you like people archery hunt with bows 12-25 yrds from bear baits talk to your guide and see what he can do for you. Pick a nice heavy bullet Take your time and squezze. Good luck
 
I was shooting the .44 today, I will definitely need lots of practice.
I shot a Coyote acouple of days ago at 19yds (rifle of course) he was running right at me and had closed 10 yds between me spotting him and me pulling the trigger, wouldn't want to shoot a bear that way but it sure would be exciting!!
 
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