Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game Bear protection: 9mm, 40 S&W, 45 ACP?

Got it.

Phil,

How does the Buffalo Bore load that you used compare to something like American Eagle 147gr FMJ's in relation to penetration?




Travis

Travis, I don't know how all the loads stack up but would guess that equal bullet weights and velocities should give similar penetration. In my limited testing I was suprised to find find that in most test material that standard military grade 115 gr fmj bullets were not far behind.
And fmj .30 Tokarev loads gave great penetration.

Phil, with the round-nose FMJs - the way you were testing them - were you getting straight penetration (straightish?) compared to the Buffalo Bore flat noses?

Phil,

Darn glad to hear all came out of the episode safe and unharmed. Sounds like quite an exciting rodeo! I

That was my guess. Thanks.





Travis

So Phil, are you a big believer in quantity now? Would you rather have an auto over a revolver, assuming good bullets were used?

That is kind of my takeaway from the story. I'm thinking my G21 with 13 rounds of 255gr BB hard casts is a pretty decent choice.

Autos and revolvers each have their strengths and weakness' for a personal protection.
A large caliber revolver is like a heavy double rifle. both powerful and reliable but limited in the number of shots it holds
A semi auto can be made slim and lightweight and capable of quickly firing two or three times the amount of ammunition.
You pays your money and takes your chances .

No mater your choice, you still have to be able to shoot it both quickly and well.

For a hunting handgun, especially for large game, I prefer a large bore revolver.

Not Phil or even close, but I have a comment about that.

If you're going for quantity, consider not just how many rounds the gun holds, but how fast you can deliver them. A 30 round magazine in a semi-auto is useless if the gun is as slow to shoot as a big bore revolver.

I think your G21 is a step in the right direction, but I encourage you do experiment with follow up shot speed of different loads. I also carry a G21 sometimes, and found the heavy 255gr loads really slowed down my follow up shot speed. Some compromise is needed between power and speed, and what works best for me may not be best for you, but it's something to keep in mind.

THAT is the conundrum ! Self defense is not the same a hunting. Just as CQB differs from sniping .
If bear hunting with a handgun I would chose my son's 475 Linebaugh but to carry on my hip every day for 12 hours I want something lighter and smaller. it is usually my S&W 629 44 Mtn Gun or S&W M-65 357. In this last case I was not expecting any trouble but didn't want to go totally unarmed so was carrying a 9mm loaded with Buffalo Bore ammo that I had previously tested and knew would penetrate deep enough if necessary.

I am not recommending a 9mm - but if that is all you have and can shoot it then make sure to stoke it with dependable ammo.

Learn how to shoot a big bore revolver properly and you would be amazed at how fast one can be shot and still hit as this video clearly demonstrates

https://www.americanhunter.org/articles/2014/7/15/video-the-454-casull-challenge/

I firmly believe less than 1% of the shooting public has the ability to do that. I openly admit my handgun abilities are not there, and will never be. And I respectfully hold my hat in my hand to those fellas (and gals) who can.

I just have to get by knowing what I'm able to do with my single action Ruger SBH .44Mag or Glock 35 loaded correctly.

I'd wager a high percentage could if they put forth the effort

All i can say is i would rather have a 9mm than have nothing if attacked

As I have said all along, I am not specifically recommending ANY caliber, but recommending a handgun that YOU are FAMILIAR AND COMFORTABLE WITH and then choose the HEAVIEST and DEEP PENETRATING bullet you can find.

This^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Good advise for any defensive situation. Pick the right bullet, practice with the right gun and the right ammo, go forth And be unafraid

got charged a while tracking a 275 lb. boar that this boy shot and wounded. I put seven 230 gr. 45 ACP hardball rounds out of a Glock 36 in him as he charged from less than 15'.





Shortly after that. No more Mr. Nice Guy.........



Glock 20SF in 10MM S&W, 15+1, 200 grainers.




works for me!

JAPPFT,


GWB

Nice shootin! Looks like it got the job done!

I like the way you roll GWB