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!

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.

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.

Wouldn't be my first choice - nor second for that matter. You never know what sized bear you may encounter...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Some of those North Carolina bears are bigger than Grizzlies! Actually some of the guys are!!

Dick

Hahaha! Got'cha Dick.

Don't want to run into either in an alder thicket right about dark.

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.

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.

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.

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.