I need a bit of advice for loading a "little gun" for bear. I make several canoe/fly-in trips each year in the northern bush, and I like to take a small handy gun along in case of a food emergency or in case a nuisance black bear won't leave camp alone. We can't use handguns. I have bigger rifles and shotguns, but the rifle I want to bring is a Rossi Puma .357 mag. stainless carbine. This rifle will be almost never used, it's just insurance - and the stainless steel is a big advantage for low maintenance. I have no experience with the .357 on game, but figure I'm better off packing a little rifle that I will actually keep in camp rather than leaving heavier stuff at home. So, am I nuts? What do you recommend for ammo? So far I have been shooting various 158 gr. flat points. I do handload, and was thinking that the Hornady 180 gr. XTP's might be a good choice.
a safety iron for bears means stopping power up close and personal...
buy a cheap 12ga,make the barrel 20" and lose the plug.carry shot and slugs and yer covered for hunger and self defense.
My "bear blaster" cost $50,did the job for 9 yrs,and is ready to go today!
I don't have any experience with the .357 other than squeezing the trigger,but I do with bears in N Sk.and my suggestion is what served me well.
JMO
