Bears, cont
Lots of comments on bears!
Buffalo Bore and Lost River both make 9mm +p 147gr hardcast lead rounds that achieve a muzzle velocity of 1100 f/s, plus change. These non-expanding rounds are designed for maximum penetration, at least as much as you’ll ever get from a 9mm bullet. Of all 9mm rounds you might be compelled to use during an attack from a bear, these probably represent the best choices. However, both are a snappy and hard on the pistol, particularly one the size of a G43X
Light (115-124gr), expanding 9mm bullets (designed for human attackers) represent poor choices when your attacker is a bear!
45ACP, with any bullet, also represents a less-than-ideal choice for bear defense, in my opinion.
40S&W, 357SIG, 10mm all have their exponents. With suitable ammunition, any of these are arguable, particularly 10mm
For 44Mg fans, Underwood makes a 305gr flat-nose hardcast round, designed for maximum penetration of thick skin and dense tissue, with a velocity of 1400 f/s (from a six-inch barrel). Top of the list!
In 44Spl, Underwood makes a round with a 255gr hardcast (Keith Semi-Wadcutter), and in 41Mg Underwood makes something similar, all designed for heavy penetration.
Underwood enjoys an excellent reputation, so I can recommend all of the above. I have less personal experience with Buffalo Bore and Lost River.
Heavy magnum revolvers require a reasonable amount of training and practice. Otherwise, a person attempting to shoot one for the first time during a personal-security emergency (with any of the above ammunition), will likely be unable to hit anything they wanted to hit!
Of course, the same can be said for any handgun, but lesser-powered handguns (like 9mm) are easier, more pleasant, and less expensive to train with.
While in serious “bear country,” many routinely carry (in addition to a pistol) a 12ga shotgun, charged with slugs, and for good cause. Others prefer an M14, FAL, RAXCR/M, PTR91 (all in 308 and with twenty-round magazines). All of the above are much more effective than any pistol, albeit less convenient.
Elmer Keith is quoted as saying, “Anyone who thinks he knows what a bear will do next is already in trouble!”
He spoke with authority!
/John
