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.