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I've found that for me, the 480 ruger throws enough lead, 400 gr @1200 fps to give me a bit of comfort, and the recoil isn't so punishing that I can shoot it accurately.  I've fired most of the super magnum chamberings, ie 454 casull, 475 & 500 Linebaugh, and I honestly can't handle that level of recoil.

To my way of thinking, the bottom line chambering I would take as opposed to being unarmed would be a 357 mag with a 180 or 200 gr hardcast bullet.  My comfort level starts at the 44 mag w/ 300 gr hard cast.

I would have little confidence in a 45 acp, it simply doesn't throw a heavy enough piece of lead to gurantee good penetration.  In 45 cal, I want at least 300 gr leaving the barrel at least 1000 fps.  I'd take a 357 mag w/ 200 gr cast over a 45 acp any day.

Message Thread:

• handgun for bears? av8nak Jun 23 2005
  • More on all sort of weapons and bears Ray Jun 27 2005
    • handgun skill not nessecary????? calndux Jun 29 2005
    • Bear Defense BrownBear Jun 28 2005
    • Ray is bear shooting... Murphy Jun 27 2005
      • Murphy Ray Jun 28 2005
  • Handguns and Bears.... Murphy Jun 24 2005
    • Bears and little guns Ed M Jun 24 2005
      • Here is your answer Ed M, on "bears and little g Ray Jun 27 2005
        • bear in anchorage calndux Jun 29 2005
      • Bearguns and Skill.... Murphy Jun 25 2005
      • More on "little guns" Ray Jun 24 2005
      • Little guns BrownBear Jun 24 2005
    • Handguns BrownBear Jun 24 2005
  • Bear handguns Ed M Jun 24 2005
  • Bear protection Ray Jun 24 2005
  • If you have to ask Paul H Jun 24 2005
    • Bear defense AkHunter45 Jun 27 2005
    • Practice BrownBear Jun 24 2005
    • handguns... av8nak Jun 24 2005
      • handguns grizz106 Jun 24 2005
      • 480 for me Paul H Jun 24 2005
        • Bears Snowwolfe Jun 24 2005
          • bear handguns mauserboy Jun 26 2005