I have always been taught that overpenetration for Self-defense was a Bad Thing. That was only for fairly light-weight, boned and average light-dressed human predators. When it comes to large shagnasty predators with a leg at each corner, I think that more penetration= More Better!
I carry a 357 magnum, and despite the cost, would gladly pay a premium for deep penetrators, providing I could shoot them, and they wouldn't burn and blind me in the bargoon! Probably could use heavy factory loads or handloads to practice with.
If I lived near Yellowstone (My favorite place on earth!)I think I'd rather face a hostile critter with a can of Bear Spray in one hand, and a good weapon in the other! A shotgun comes to mind.
