Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns .44 mag self defense/wilderness loads

My rifle is much more difficult to carry when out for a hike than my revolver. Not sure what you carry, but I am usally armed when in the woods.

My favorite carry pistol is my 4 inch Model 629 with the Keith 250 gr when in the woods

Well, they do say that grizzly droppings usually contain bear bells, pepper spray, large caliber handguns, and the occasional flyrod.

That's pretty funny In our area it's fairly common to encounter many types of large toothy critters if you spend much time in the woods. I've never had an encounter go bad (almost pooped a little bit a couple times though). I sure feel better with the 44 on my hip. I carry the spray too - usually both even with the rifle. Make sure to practice your quick draw every time a grouse suprises you - it's a good reaction to have, just in case.

When i lived in AK, I looked down the sights at more than one PO'd grizz that I was not expecting. All went well, but, I sure felt naked - in 1 case I had a 44mag and in the other I had my 300win. When it is up close an personal, your heart will sure beat out your chest.

I agree with FNG - make sure you practice IOT be ready for the surprise of your life!!!

Thanks All for your advice. I decided to switch to a 240 grain jacketed soft point at 19.5 grains of 2400 (best group).It still shoots high, but I have a small amount of play in my rear sight left to take to point of impact down. From there I will just learn how to hold that pistol with that round in it until I know where to hold to shoot consistent bullseyes at 25 yards. I looked into getting a 180 grain bullet that was a SJSP...no one makes one in either 180 or 200 grains that I can find. Remington makes one commercially...but I am a hard-core handloader...I don't shoot factory stuff unless it's rimfire or the occasional box of shotgun shells..and actually I handload 90% of those as well.I also looked into replacing my front sight to a higher version to solve the problem, but it was going to be so costly that I decided against that option. My pistol is an older SBH and so the front sight is soldered on and so the barrel would have to be reblued after replacement, etc. Anyhow; long story short: I went to the 240's and felt that everyone who gave their advice to help me deserved both a follow up and a big Thank You.

If need be, you can always have a taller front sight installed.

http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/Parts_Front_Sights.htm