Sometimes it takes a fatally wounded large bear a number of minutes before it comes to the realization it's supposed to lay down and die. During that period of time, you will be in a fight to survive. 14 inch 9mm hollow point wound channels just make big bears vengefully angry unless you luckily place one round in the nervous system. My advice is big hard cast bullets that penetrate deep and shatter bones. I think 44 mag with 300 grain or a bigger caliber handgun is a minimum. If opting for a shotgun, go with copper sabot slugs. The best choice is a large caliber rifle.
Big griz can be packing 14" or more of fat throughout their body prior to hibernation. That depth of fat will absorb most handgun hollow point rounds before they reach something vital.
Last edited by Lennie; 09/19/18.
