Shooting a bear with 357MAG

[jwk]

I know it's not allowed in Canada but did anyone ever shoot a black bear with a 357 Mag handgun? Do it work well or do it just do the job?Let me know??

 

[Amphibious]

would you shoot a bear with a caliber that has less then half the M.E. of a .223?

I'm sure it could work, but sounds like a stunt.

you also sound like your trolling......

 

[Rapt]

Try some US sources where they actually hunt with handguns.

 

[Blackdog]

At close range 357 mag works very well on black bears. By close range I am referring to ranges associated with problem bears caught in live traps..

BD..

 

[Republic of Alberta]

357 mag is one of those cartriges that realy need proper bullet selection. Choose the wrong bullet and it will be terrible, choose the right one and it will work ok.

Then again you could use say... a 30-06 and nearly any bullet will work well.

 

[tracker]

Seen it done on a black at ten yards from tree stand. Bear went 23 yards.

 

[BBB]

I saw a magazine article a few years back where a guy tested a .357 mag on a black bear skull. The skull was facing him and positioned as though the bear was charging. End result: ricochet off the bone.

But while I was in Alaska a few year back, a fisherman killed a charging grizz with a 9 mm. So a .357 could work, but the question is why would you try? It'd likely fail more often than it would succeed, though I suppose it might be marginally effective on treed bears.

 

[true north]

If you are thinking of wilderness carry (geologist, free miner?) so few of us have the ability to carry and the few of them that do, even less have had to shoot a bear let alone with a .357. I think that you would have more luck on a U.S. board. Should be some interesting reading though.

 

[mdbuckle]

It wouldn't be my first choice...

 

[Longshot]

44mag would be a better choice methinks

 

[gunasauras]

I have taken deer with it in a Marlin Model 1894 http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36050
and would love to try it in a revolver some time, but I'ld be hesitant in a revolver on bear. I'm using my 1895 in 45-70 for spring bear this year....just because i can.....

 

[atr]

The gun is a 4 inch stainless Ruger Security Six in .357 mag with a 158 grain jsp over a generous charge of 296 . The shot was 35 yards to the neck and he dropped in his tracks .

 

[JasonYuke]

Well I guess that settles this topic

 

[BigUglyMan]

I remember Shoemaker writing about using a 357 with 180 grain Norma (IIRC) bullets on Grizzlies in Alaska. I believe the handgun in question now belongs to his daughter.

Now THAT would be a family to marry into!

 

[Gatehouse]

The gun is a 4 inch stainless Ruger Security Six in .357 mag with a 158 grain jsp over a generous charge of 296 . The shot was 35 yards to the neck and he dropped in his tracks .

Too many people talk out of thier asses without any real experience. Good to see that is not you.

A 357 has been used sucessfully on many black bears with proper bullets.

It woudlnt' be my first choice, but, just like hunting with a bow, it is simply a matter of understanding the limitations of your weapon, your load, and your skills.

Some people have very closed minds.