I posted this question over in handguns, but figured you cowboys (and girls) would be a lot of help here. I'm in the market for a Ruger Birds Head Vaquero. I've found two locally - one in .357 and one in .45 Colt. My purpose with this gun is mainly to have something to plink around with and have fun. But, if all the planets were out of line and backwards one day, and I had to fend off a critter (which here in AZ would mean black bear or mountain lion), is the cowboy factory loads in .45 Colt enough to get the job done? I hear that if a person had to shoot a .45 without hearing protection, they may actually survive with some of the mild loads out there. Do those mild loads carry enough weight to stop a animal if need be? I know you can get loads for the .357 all up and down the scale, but I know the loads intended for game are incredibly load. Thanks.
