Will the .44 Magnum do it's part if the shooter does his if called into service in grizzly country, most likely in the lower 48. Reason I am asking is because I am trying to justify the Ruger Toklat I looked at today, while trying to talk myself out of it at the same time. As mentioned in the Toklat post I already have 2 .44s, one a Model 29, the other a SBH, both with the shorter barrels. Load would be a
240-300 gr. hard cast LSWC.

Grizzlies have certainly been killed with .44 Magnum handguns.
Buy the Toklat. They're tough to find.

If the shooter does his part, 44mag has been killing grizzlies for years. And the Toklat is a perfect packing pistol, I carried one for several months last year. You would love it.

The .44 Mag is the cartridge by which all other big-bore revolver cartridges are measured.

I justified it (in my head) as soon as you said grizzly! Seriously, what does 'doing your part' include with a 44mag. I love the .44, but if that means placing a perfect shot, I'm stepping up! Just to be open here, I have no experience with grizzlies (in Louisiana) so I don't know what it takes to kill one. I just know they scare me. lol

The 44 would work. So would the Toklat. BUT, for the same money if that was my specific purpose for the gun i would get the 3" Super Redhawk in 480 Ruger. I've been drooling all over the glass at a local store. They want about $925 i believe (new). Small(er), light(er), cheap(er), bigger hole. Makes sense to me!!!!!!!

I'm with Vance on this.The 44's do work and you have two nice ones. That said the 480 is catching on the second time around up here.The 480 has just a bit more recoil than the 44 but with 400grs and bigger hole. Propper shot placement is always key

I live in grizzly country and carry a 4" Redhawk .44 mag loaded with 320 gr Cast Performance bullets. I am very confident with this combo. I own revolvers in more powerful rounds but for day to day outdoor activities this is the gun I carry. IMO the .44 mags recoil is mild enough that pretty much anyone can become proficient and confident with it. The mild recoil can be a big help getting back on target for follow up shots. The .480 would also be a great round. I do carry bear spray too. If conditions allowed, I would use it first.

I don't think I'd trust your S&W 29 for very long with bullets much over the 250 grain range? Smiths will shoot heavier bullets OK but, were designed over a century ago and the lockwork hasn't changed much over time(re: talk to some metallic handgun shooters). If you insist on heavier bullets go with a Ruger Super Blackhawk, Redhawk or Super Redhawk or even the Toklat(.454) you mentioned, IMHO and remember, more powerful loads come with more recoil(be sure you can handle and want this before buying).
This from a big fan of the model 29s(I've owned and now own several).
Steve

I have never shot anything other than factory 240 gr. in one form or another through the Model 29. I do have a Super Blackhawk that I would use for heavier loads if I would ever need them. As far as the Toklat goes, I did buy it this morning, as purely a "speculation" purchase. I figure this may be a bear hunters dream and when they are all sold out and none to be found that's when I'll "make my move".

My mod 29 is a an 8&3/8" barreled -4 series. I have shot several hundred rounds (i would guess well over 700 rds) of handloads with 320 hardcast at about 1320fps through it with absoluely no signs of lockwork losening, crane stretching, cylinder gap change, unlocking, or timing issues (i love the gun so i keep a close eye on it).
I did have magna-port install a 2nd cylinder latch detent ball when i had it ported. How much that helps i dont know.
For me living in alaska 240s just arent a great bullet choice for the local critters.

Hmmm, I was going to put a post up asking about the same thing. Mrs. Grendel & I, in less than 2weeks, will be camping in "Griz"
country in Wyoming. I plan on carring my Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter in .44 Mag.. The load I use is a 300 grain XTP on top of 22 grains of H110, Starline brass & CCI large pistol/magnum primers. Biggest handgun I have, so that has to work, or become bear scat. Any load suggestions would be welcome.

Any load ideas?

Here are some interesting stats on the effectiveness of spray vs handguns on bears. I carry both and would use spray first if possible.

http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/mammals/grizzly/bear%20spray.pdf

I have not used the XTPs on any game in my 44 mags so I don't know how much they expand. I hunt with jacketed bullets but for bear protection I prefer heavy hardcast bullets that should penetrate deeper.

If I knew for sure there would be bear problems I would be using 300 to 320 grain H/C bullets with same powder charge. Odds makers would bet you will be fine with your current load.

+1

The XTP is a great handgun bullet but I don't think I would want to press it into duty as a bear defense round. A heavy WFN hardcast bullet over a full charge of H110 is going to plow through pretty much anything end to end, giving you the deep penetration required if needing to deter the less than desirable intentions of Ursus arctos horribilis.


On the topic of the 480...I think it really hits the sweet spot as far as power vs. shootability. In factory loadings it has a recoil similar to the 44mag with a bigger hole and just a touch more power. Handloaded to it's potential it is knocking on the back door of the 475 Linebaugh. Now Ruger needs to make a Toklat in 480....that would be about the perfect bear defense handgun.

Thanks for the info guys. @ pab 1. Talked to Mrs. Grendel, and she was planning on picking up some spray anyway. I guess I'll carry the hand cannon, and her the can. Now to find some hard cast boolits.

Thanks for the info guys. @ pab 1. Talked to Mrs. Grendel, and she was planning on picking up some spray anyway. I guess I'll carry the hand cannon, and her the can. Now to find some hard cast boolits.