Help on Ammo.

[triQshot]

Howdy everyone..(I did use the search, found a lot of useful info, but did not see the info or wisdom I was seeking)

We are planning a hiking trip into Glacier National Park. We have all been warned about bears and mountain lions. We have been advised that it would be smart to hike and camp armed, due to the predatory animals.

I'm looking at picking up the Smith and Wesson 329PD (.44 Rem Mag). I've used this same bullet to take out wild boar, but never thought about taking down a bear. (Only if I have too)

I've been looking at 3 types of ammo for this trip...I can't decide on which would be better (I know it all lies in shot placement) for putting down a bear if we should run into one.

44 Mag 300 GR HP/XTP - Hornaday
(FPS/FT-Lbs)
Muzzle - 1150/881 50yards - 1084/782

44 Mag 225 GR FTX (leverevolution ammo) - Hornaday
Muzzle - 1410/993 50yards - 1240/768

44 Mag 240 GR Hydra-Shock - Federal Ammo
Muzzle - 1210/780 50yards - 1102/647


Based on the stats so far the 225 GR FTX by Hornaday, seems to be the winner. But the Hydra-shocks are a nasty round. But, do I need fast expansion or penetration when dealing with a ticked off bear?


**note this is a back up to the guy humping the m14 **

triQ

[monsterhunter]

There's only one I would go with (without getting into the obvious debate this can lead to):

http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php...ct_detail&p=55

[Blitzzz (RIP)]

Bears, are thick and i would look at "heavy" and "penetration".
If needed be calm and shot placement is crucial.

The greatest Grizzly killer in US history used a .32 cal cap and ball pistol to kill most of his bears and stated it was his favorite method. He actually stood up to the bears and as they rose to hind feet, he would put one through their head up under the chin throuh the brain. I wouldn''t ask anyone to try the same but he shot hundreds of grizzy that way.

A second thought might be a Taurus "Judge" shooting 45 LC and 410 shot. I might be prone to 410 shot in the face as a deterant. Just a thought.
Have fun keep a night watch. when my team was in ALaska when did incounter two Bears At night. But that's another story, and we did have someone awake at night to alert all the sleepers. Dave

[The Reaper]

monsterhunter and Blitzz are correct.

You want penetration over all. Expansion is the enemy of penetration.

The best .44 Magnum loads are too heavy for the 329. If I were going to use a .44 Magnum, I would get a Ruger and stoke it with the heaviest Keith-type hard cast lead bullet I could find. 300 grains or more would be preferred.

As suggested, a good alternative would be a modern improved .45 Colt with the similar (but heavier) cast bullet. The standard SAA will not handle the loads that you want to use.

I would not advocate the use of any type of shot loads against a bear, except for slugs.

Best of luck.

TR

[BigJimCalhoun]

Sir

I have never shot the 329PD, or any 44, but does seem like a really nice revolver though. A 44 mag is second on my list after a hunting rifle.

Good luck on the trip and stay safe.

[DinDinA-2]

Take a look at the Alaska Outdoor forum Handgun thread. Some good info. I carry a 629 .44 Mag when my .375 H&H or 12 gauge is too cumbersome, but I don't feel real confident with the 44. The ammo is Barnes Supreme 300 gr Hp...but a small hollow point shape...I have never shot anything with the .44. If I had a spare $1000 I would get a muzzle braked 4 inch Smith 500. Like Reaper said...heavy and hardcast bullets.

Keep in mind grizzly/brown bear do not die as easily as a black bear. A killing caliber/bullet is better than a hunting caliber/bullet.

http://forums.outdoorsdirectory.com/...ad.php?t=54852

[triQshot]

Thanks for the input everyone.

After hearing about the short comings of the 329. I looked toward the Ruger Super Redhawk. Yup, going to go w/ a ruger and heavy grain rounds.

[HOLLiS]

I have a Taurus 44 Mag, prior the raging bull but basically that same. It has a 8 in barrel and is compensated. We have black bear and big cats along with other vermin. What I do is alternate penetrating bullet and HP. I use it as my hunting back up. We really don't have a bear problem like in other areas. So it is a untested method. I probably have to worry more about two legged vermin than the four legged locals.

[TrapLine]

I spent time hunting and fishing in Alaska with my brother who was a guide. When in bear country and not hunting for brown bears or moose (and not carrying a .375 H&H) the guides seemed to carry a 12 ga with slugs over the shoulder. We had one "uncomfortable" encounter with a sow and two cubs while duck hunting. The sow retreated after the cubs were clear but as she was closing, I felt better with the slugs. It happened pretty quickly, so stay alert.

[triQshot]

This trip is going to be one of the best I've been on. Also, I've taken everyones advice and went for the heavy grain bullet and penetration power. So I picked up the S&W 460.

[Blitzzz (RIP)]

Sounds like a fun pick.

[Ken Brock]

I would try the Hammerhead ammo from Garrett Ammunition

I've taken quite a few boar and deer with it and it is alleged to be the felines derriere for bear as well

www.garrettcartridges.com

[JJ_BPK]

Just so you don't get dizzy with hand cannons..

Here is an alternative: H&R Model 176 10 gauge 3 1/2 inch Shotgun

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=131082663

Have someone shorten the barrel to 20 inch and you will would have a hole lot of whoop-ass in your hands...


Add so ammo:

Federal Cartridge 10 Gauge Game-Shok Rifled Slugs, 3 1/2", Mag.Dram,1 3/4oz, HP by Federal (Per 5)

Federal's rifled slugs provide maximum knockdown power. A special, one-piece cushioned wad helps reduce felt recoil, while the hollow point gives it positive expansion. For use in smooth-bore barrels. Load number: F103RS Gauge: 10 Shell Length: 3.5 inches; 89mm Dram Equiv.: Magnum Slug Weight: 1 3/4 ounces, 766 grains Slug Type: Classic Rifled Slug,

Hollow Point Test Barrel Length: 32" Velocity In Feet Per Second (To Nearest 10 FPS): - Muzzle: 1280 - 25yds: 1160 - 50yds: 1080 - 75yds: 1020 - 100yds: 970

Energy In Foot-Pounds (To Nearest 5 Foot-Pounds): - Muzzle: 2785 - 25yds: 2295 - 50yds: 1980 - 75yds: 1775 - 100yds: 1605

Height of Slug Trajectory in Inches Above of Below Line of Sight if Zeroed At 50 Yards (Sights .5 Inches Above Bore Line): - 25yds: +0.5 - 50yds

Mfg No: F103RS Manufacturer: Federal Cartridge

Might be only a single shot, but with a little practice you can bring some hi-energy to the battle.. and the package will probably weight less!!!

My $00.0002

[Vermonter]

So, a pilot gets reassigned to Alaska and on his first mission out the crew chief hands him a 9mm and full magazine. Pilot asks him what its for and the chief tells him "If you go down you might end up meeting a bear before we get to you". Pilot nods and then notices that the front sight post has been filed off. He asks the chief why and the reply is:

"Well, that's so it doesn't hurt as much when that bear shoves it up your ass after you shoot him with it."

[incarcerated]

Originally Posted by triQshot

This trip is going to be one of the best I've been on. Also, I've taken everyones advice and went for the heavy grain bullet and penetration power. So I picked up the S&W 460.

So, how did the trip go?