Just wondering what most would consider the minimum size handgun for Black bear and Cougar? Or more directly, would a .357 suffice or would the .44 be more appropriate? What loads would be reasonable in the .357 for either? I'm assuming 125 gr JHP (man-eaters) wouldn't be the first choice.
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Yep..357 magnum will easily kill black bear and mtn lion in the hands of a decent hangunner...proper bullets, and acceptable range...and good initial hit...with follow up SA as required.
A reliable S&W wheelgun N frame is preferred by me and has served me well on many bear and lion kills when I didn't kill them with a well placed arrow....
My input doesn't include night attacks when one is camped and a black bear want's ther jerky you foolishly stashed under your pillow ..or you used bacon grease for your hair..:)..:)...or charging or wounded critters at close quarters..:) Jim
