+P pressure

[Lexus_Truck]

Originally Posted by jon45xdtac

I havn't had the opportunity to hunt bear yet, but if I do I don't think it would hurt to carry a backup weapon in case of a weapon failure like in this news article. I've heard that the front part of a bears skill, his forehead, is extremely thick. I've heard of bullets not penetrating through a bear's skull... at least on the front side.

I would second the comment on a 45 colt load or 44 magnum. Then of course there is the big S&W 500.

When my dad and I were hunting black bear from our boat in Alaska a year ago, he would carry a S&W .357 in a shoulder holster while I toted the .338 around the hills. Approaching one big boar on a steep, snowy slope I lost sight of the bear and my father, but he could see both of us from a good thousand feet downhill. He would fire shots to get my attention so we could communicate with hand signals via binoculars. Through all this, the bear never spooked. Only when the beast caught sight of me did it finally turn tail and run. Unfortunately, it was about 300 yds and change down hill, and running, otherwise I would have taken a shot. The bears generally make haste in the opposite direction when they come across people.

A jacketed hollowpoint would be more affective in stopping any charging foe as compared to a full metal jacketed bullet. Anatomy-wise, for a person or a bear, the chest is another good target, especially if you can make contact in the sternum and put bone fragments through the lungs and/or heart.

[bellyscraper]

"Justin Norton fired a round from his .44-caliber pistol into the black bear's stomach, to no avail. He approached the bear, put the gun behind its ear and fired again. It finally rolled away"
I guess that round entered it's skull. Man can you even think when being mauled, I don't think so ,your just fireing away out of shear terror. I know you should have bullet placement but if you are thinking about where to place the bullit while the bear is ripping your groin away well your the better man.

[jon45xdtac]

Originally Posted by bellyscraper

I know you should have bullet placement but if you are thinking about where to place the bullit while the bear is ripping your groin away well your the better man.

+1000 I'd be thinking about what life would be like without sex. This guy is lucky he was with a larger party.

[circ_director]

I would be careful shooting at the head. Even a 44 mag can have a hard time penetrating a bear skull. Most of us here in Alaska are taught to take a shoulder shot. It will usually break the bone and stop the attack, or at least divert the charge.

Hollow points are not as good on a bear as they expand and keep the bullet from going in deep enough to have an affect. IMHO hard cast is a much better option.

The best option for bear protection is making enough noise for the bear to hear you first, and be aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes open for scat and other signs of bear activity. Bear spray is usually your first and best chance to stop a charge. If the bear charges again after the spray (rare) you still have your gun as a backup.

[dick1van]

Originally Posted by Lexus_Truck

When my dad and I were hunting black bear from our boat in Alaska a year ago, he would carry a S&W .357 in a shoulder holster while I toted the .338 around the hills. Approaching one big boar on a steep, snowy slope I lost sight of the bear and my father, but he could see both of us from a good thousand feet downhill. He would fire shots to get my attention so we could communicate with hand signals via binoculars. Through all this, the bear never spooked. Only when the beast caught sight of me did it finally turn tail and run. Unfortunately, it was about 300 yds and change down hill, and running, otherwise I would have taken a shot. The bears generally make haste in the opposite direction when they come across people.

A jacketed hollowpoint would be more affective in stopping any charging foe as compared to a full metal jacketed bullet. Anatomy-wise, for a person or a bear, the chest is another good target, especially if you can make contact in the sternum and put bone fragments through the lungs and/or heart.

I don't know about Bear Anatomy. When a bear is "charging" how do you hit its sternum? Is it between his shoulders? Aim high or low?

[dick1van]

Originally Posted by circ_director

I would be careful shooting at the head. Even a 44 mag can have a hard time penetrating a bear skull. Most of us here in Alaska are taught to take a shoulder shot. It will usually break the bone and stop the attack, or at least divert the charge.

Hollow points are not as good on a bear as they expand and keep the bullet from going in deep enough to have an affect. IMHO hard cast is a much better option.

The best option for bear protection is making enough noise for the bear to hear you first, and be aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes open for scat and other signs of bear activity. Bear spray is usually your first and best chance to stop a charge. If the bear charges again after the spray (rare) you still have your gun as a backup.

You suggest being "careful shooting at the head." Does this apply to both grizzly and black bear?

Thanks, Dick

[circ_director]

Yes, while a black bear is smaller and easier to take down, I would personally stay away from a head shot. Just my opinion.

[circ_director]

Dick, I wanted to add one more thing that I forgot in the previous post. Their is a big difference between stopping a bear that is charging you, and hunting bear that has no idea you are near. A bear charging has his adrenalin working in his favor and is already moving rapidly toward you. A heart shot on a bear can take several minutes to have enough affect to stop the charge. Again, just my opinion.

Tom

[Lexus_Truck]

Originally Posted by dick1van

I don't know about Bear Anatomy. When a bear is "charging" how do you hit its sternum? Is it between his shoulders? Aim high or low?

Between the shoulders.

[dick1van]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for you detailed help.

You had mentioned a "shoulder shot" earlier. Do you mean aim for the joint? Sounds hard to do.

Dick