The handgun would be for days that I am not hunting for bear but were in the area where bear may be located. I would hope I could kill a bear with a rifle. I wouldn't think about trying to tackle a bear with a handgun. I am most comfortable with the 357 since I have owned it and shot it for years. I assume that the effectiveness of the caliber can be improved by selecting ammunition for this circumstance? Something that would penetrate? Would it be wise to invest in a larger caliber?
If you've got a 357 and are comfortable with it, get some heavy full-magnum loads using heavy bullets (at least 180 grains). It will work if you can shoot it.
