Black bear with .357 Mag
#203558
11/19/2019 5:21 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 64
DarkTimber
OP
journeyman
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OP
journeyman
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 64 |
Now I am NOT trying to start an argument, but...
I know it is on the light side, but I was wondering if any of you have taken black bear with a .357 Mag.
If so, what were the particulars (load, shot distance, distance traveled after the shot, hunt type, etc.)?
Thanks in advance!
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Re: Black bear with .357 Mag
[Re: DarkTimber]
#203560
11/19/2019 12:59 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048
wvhitman
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,048 |
I never have, but a friend of mine did that I loaded for. S&W 6", 40 yds., 158 gr. XTP, 16.2 gr. WW296. Dropped at shot with a neck shot that broke the spine. He was lucky to get that hit, but he is a super excellent shot. It was a fast reaction shot that he didn't have time to access his primary single shot handgun. Definitely not something I'd recommend. Bears are not bullet proof, but their muscles and bones are legendary for sucking up little bullets with poor results.
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Re: Black bear with .357 Mag
[Re: wvhitman]
#203562
11/19/2019 1:08 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,205
KYODE
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,205 |
A bear comes in all sizes. A work buddy just killed a black bear by bow in wva that weighed 78lbs soaking wet. So, im sure a lot of things are to be considered.
Kentucky….no place like home.
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Re: Black bear with .357 Mag
[Re: KYODE]
#203564
11/19/2019 3:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
Wouldn't be my first choice - nor second for that matter. You never know what sized bear you may encounter...
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Re: Black bear with .357 Mag
[Re: Whitworth]
#203574
11/19/2019 6:17 PM
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Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1
Hank jr.
stranger
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stranger
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1 |
I had a pretty nasty 250 pound fall sow that was killed in my yard by an employee with my 357 158 xtp from a 4? 686. It killed it pretty fast.
Last edited by Hank jr.; 11/19/2019 6:19 PM. Reason: Poor dpelling
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Re: Black bear with .357 Mag
[Re: Hank jr.]
#203576
11/19/2019 6:45 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 765
wheelguns
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 765 |
Personally, I would steer clear of any small calibers when it comes to bear. Just because someone has done it with the 357, doesn't necessarily make it a good choice. Also, bullet choice is just as important as caliber.
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Re: Black bear with .357 Mag
[Re: wheelguns]
#203577
11/19/2019 6:49 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
This bear was killed last year by my friends and hunting partners in North Carolina. You never know what you will encounter, but I wouldn't want a .357 to use on this brute.
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Re: Black bear with .357 Mag
[Re: Whitworth]
#203592
11/20/2019 3:18 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 64
DarkTimber
OP
journeyman
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OP
journeyman
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 64 |
Thanks for the input.
I'm familiar with bears and bear hunting. And have killed a couple with my bow.
Was thinking I might use a handgun this spring.
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Re: Black bear with .357 Mag
[Re: DarkTimber]
#203609
11/20/2019 6:48 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 818
sixshot
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 818 |
Some of those North Carolina bears are bigger than Grizzlies! Actually some of the guys are!!
Dick
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Re: Black bear with .357 Mag
[Re: sixshot]
#203622
11/21/2019 1:45 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 64
DarkTimber
OP
journeyman
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OP
journeyman
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 64 |
Hahaha! Got'cha Dick.
Don't want to run into either in an alder thicket right about dark.
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Re: Black bear with .357 Mag
[Re: DarkTimber]
#203976
12/02/2019 9:49 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757
cottonstalk
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757 |
Nope, not my first second or third choice. You'll hear stories of them being killed with everything including a 22. I've taken several and seen tons more hit the dirt with about any caliber you can think of in handgun and rifle. 41mag would be my minimum in handgun and 30/30 in rifle.
"If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence,try orderin' someone else's dog around" unknown cowboy
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Re: Black bear with .357 Mag
[Re: sixshot]
#203991
12/03/2019 8:58 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725
500WE
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725 |
Some of those North Carolina bears are bigger than Grizzlies! Actually some of the guys are!!
Dick Well, we do believe in eatin', Dick! I have seen a couple guys carrying or using .357's, but my bear revolver is a .475 Linebaugh, if that tells you anything ... and I'm not changing.
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Re: Black bear with .357 Mag
[Re: 500WE]
#203997
12/04/2019 5:59 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 64
DarkTimber
OP
journeyman
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OP
journeyman
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 64 |
While I must admit, I have lusted in my heart after a .454 or .475 BFR or FA, alas I do not have one.
You fellows have convinced me to step up in caliber tho. I appreciate the advice.
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Re: Black bear with .357 Mag
[Re: DarkTimber]
#204002
12/04/2019 11:24 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556
junebug
Gun Slinger
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Gun Slinger
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,556 |
While I would not feel un gunned with a .357 it would never be my first choice for any big game animal. My straight wall cases for hunting start at .41mag .44 special and mag , .45 Colt and .480, Just choose a cartridge that you can shoot well, and shoot it often . The recoil from the 480 gets nasty above 355 gr bullets and the 454 is down right nasty for my old hands when ran hard with about any bullet. I have much respect for the people that shoot them well, but they are not for everyone ,and not for me. Good luck with what ever you choose just don't over gun yourself, but work up to it. Ego has no place in the hunting fields, confidence ability and skill does.
junebug
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