.357 loads for bear/cougar defense

[PAJ]

Mikey:  I puchased a .357 magnum recently to take with me backpacking for bear/cougar defense up here in the Pacific Northwest.  Since then, I've gotten about a half dozen different suggestions from "experts" on which load I should carry.  I read a post dated 12/19/02 from JJHACK that was both fascinating and extremely informative.  If there ever was an authority on the subject of handguns & bears he must be it.  Because that particular post related to the proper loads for 44 magnums I realize this advice probably isn't directly transferable to a .357.  I chose the .357 as I have been told it's about the smallest caliber that can be effective for my intended use when lightweight and size are a premium (I also needed a gun my wife could comfortably shoot which ruled out the 44 magnum).  I was wondering if JJ could offer any suggestions for me.  Thanks PAJ

[Mikey]

Thanks Chris, those were my thoughts exactly.

PAJ - I'm not so certain JJHACK would recommend the 357 when in bear country but it will certainly do for ya with small to possibly medium size bear and definately cougar.  With small bear you should be able to adequately defend yourself with a 200 gn swc over a charge of 12.4 of WW296 - with cougar you won't have any problem at all, they are fairly thin skinned, as predators go.  

I think you may be able to reach JJ through another of graybear's forums - there is one a bit further on down the line (I think) on bear hunting and there should be some good advice there.  Good luck - hope you and your wife have a great time and that you never have to sweat the furry stuff.  Mikey.

[shooter444002]

For factory loads the Buffalo bore or the federal castcore with the 180 cast performance bullet is great and has a wide meplat with great penatration.

[myronman3]

according to what i read from jj, he recommended hollow points for SELF DEFENSE against bears.   he reasoned that in his expereince, bears shot with hollow points would react more to the hit than ones shot with lead, giving time for more shots.  i will say i have not nearly enough experince to argue with him.  but i know that bears can be tough and sometimes h.p.'s dont penetrate.  so it would stand to reason load the first half of your cylinder with h.p's, the second half with lead.   now you have both.   which should cover about any situation you come across.

[Mikey]

myronman3:  Mornin'....  JJ recommended the hollowpoints when using the 44 magnum and provided that bears react more quickly to being shot with those than with hardcast swc, but that was from a 44 magnum which has a lot more impact 'ooomph' than the 357.  I feel that if using a 357 you would want the deepest penetration and as much impact capability the 357 could provide and would not recommend the use of hollowpoints in the 357 for bear.  But, that's jes me.  I would hope that JJ is still around and might pick up on this thread and could give PAJ some better advice.  Mikey.

[The deerslayer]

I sent a e mail  a corbon and asked them about the same thing and they claim their 200 gr hard cast bullets are the best on the market so I would use them.

[myronman3]

hey mikey- you are right on the nuts.  jj answered this as it was also posted in africa forum.  he said exactly the same as you.    also said that a crash suit should be more of a concern than bears or cougar.    when your right, your right.   still, it never hurts to be prepared.

[Mikey]

myronman3 - you are absolutely right about being prepared, and thanks for the compliment, I really appreciate it.  There are times when I think I may be correct and other times when I just hope I am and that any of those who take my advice come away satisfied that it was as good as I thought it would be.  

And where ever JJHACK is, thanks for helping us out.  Mikey.