Buffalo Bore has 45acp round 255 gr. H.C. F.N. They say is especially made for black bear and will split thier skull. Just wondering if any have shot this round and would you feel safe in bear country with a 1911.

I would feel safe with a 1911 in .460 Rowland, not so sure about 45 ACP.

Black Bear country, yes, I would feel safe. Alaskan bears no way. I have had a few run ins with black bears here in eastern NC. In every case I have had to deal with them, noise was very effective in getting them to leave. Most of that noise was from a fire arm of some sorts. I don't think an Alaskan bear will back down so easily in some situations.I do think a 1911 could handle an average size black bear.

If you are most comfortable with a 1911 then it is a fine choice.

A 250gr hard cast bullet at 800fps would be a fine load in the back country and NOT a mistake to match to a bear, especially since follow up shots will be quicker if needed. Your first shot MUST count of course and if you point shoot 1911 the best carry it...

I just got back from a family vacation in Michigan's U.P. where my sidearm of choice was a S&W 625 JM in 45 ACP. I was packing moonclips full of Buffalo Bores 230 gr. JhP @ 955 fps. I was looking for the Keith style loads, but Cabelas was out. Even though I have more faith in the .44 Mag or .45 lc Rugers I chose the S&W for the speed of loading/unloading (we were jumping in and out of the car alot, and stored the gun empty at night as my kids are 2 & 5 yrs. old, didn't have to worry about them playing with the gun as I slept. I plan on replacing the gold dot sight with tritium, and handloading some heavy weight slugs, just didn't have enough time before this trip.
On a side note: I believe in Buffalo Bores fine products and their testing of them. If they say "good for bear" I'd believe them. If your limited to factory ammo, I'd say look at Buffalo Bore & Corbin, & heard alot of good about Double Tap.

Correction: mine were 230 gr. FMJ FN at 950fps. But I would still prefer the 255 gr. Keiths if you could find them.

Well I've had run ins with black bear in the mts. of Commiefornia, and they usually scare off without having to actually shoot them. I've used a 22mag to get them off of my cooler. I don't think I'd use anything less than a 44 mag on the big ones.

Just my Humble opinion, I'd want something more substantial in the event he's deaf, I'm for the 44 and up in a hard cast.
Pete

Not a 1911, but it's the only ACP I own.


Packable with the 4" barrel, and quick to reload using full moonclips. Nice trigger to boot!

Thanks guys for all of the input. Going to buy a couple boxes of the rds and see how well I can shoot them.