big bore cast pistol most reliable , what is it 40 cal and bigger

[badbob454]

im thinking of buying a new pistol ... im a wheel gun lover , cause i like the reliability. what do you reccomend for up to black bear in the woods protection .. 40 S&W maybe too small? , i have a big ol cassull 454 wheelgun . but it is heavy . want something a little lighter and #1 reliable with cast ... what are your reccomendations , what gun would you bet your life on , for function , with cast.
;added later ... semi auto pistol ...for ease of carry

[Lonegun1894]

In a semi? I have had no problems with either my 1911s or my Glocks, but prefer the 1911s cause that's what I grew up with and have never been very far from one. Do you want 8 rounds of .45ACP, or 16rds of .40S&W? I trust both, but would also try for the head on anything trying to eat if it was charging me. I also have a lot of practice on small quick targets, and recommend that you do the same if you rely on either of these calibers for something that can potentially be 2-3 times the weight of a full grown man. I know most aren't THAT big, but I would hate to be wrong the one time you or I run into one. Have a 1911 on my side as I type this, but the Glock is on the shelf of the desk I'm sitting at and also in reach. Dang it. Someone else better handle this one.

[badbob454]

i do lean towards 16 rounds if fed reliably , my favorite pistol is a e german makarov fed lead trunicated cone boolits it never jambs or misfires , i think this gun would shoot button nose wadcutters without jambing or failure to feed , but it is too light a boolit to stop a 300 lb bear , well i wouldnt trust it.

[Groo]

Groo her
I am not a fan of double stack guns but a witness in 10mm might do what you want.
Not "too" big in the grip and a 200gr cast at 1100 to 1200fps will drill deeply.

[GP100man]

Ruger RedHawk 44 mag with a Lee 310gr. rnfp, with a Hamilton bowen extended firing pin & extra power main spring.

I`ve been around a few Blackies , I live next to a blue berry farm & when it gets time to harvest (end of may-june) the Blackies come out of the swamp & scare the pickers. The owner calls me to scare em out(he won`t get a crop depredation permit, or can`t since our county is a bear santuary)

But the point I`m gettin at is if 1 is charging at the speed I`ve seen em launch , ya only gonna get a few shots anyways !

[Dan Cash]

1873 SAA in .44 Special or .45 Colt would fill the bill. The SAA is a compact, light package for its caliber, not much larger than a K frame Smith. But then a 1911 in .45 would do about the same thing and as long as it was not a tricked out gun, it would be as reliable as it gets. Not as many rounds as the smaller calibers but thin and easy to carry. If you don't get it done with 8 or 9 rounds, you probably aren't going to get it done.

[Jupiter7]

How deep are you pockets? A STI 2011 perfect 10 would be nice if you got $2500 to blow. Or a coonan 357 1911 would be sweet. For budget friendly, the EAA witness or glock 20 would be nice.

[historicfirearms]

One gun I've had that meets your criteria is a Glock 20. 10mm can be loaded pretty stout for black bear, and the Glock will be ultra reliable.

[DeanWinchester]

I'll second the 10mm. Properly loaded and properly placed, it will get the job done.
I'm a Glock fan myself but may I also suggest a gently used S&W 1006. Just as reliable and certainly more class in the looks department.

96706

[white eagle]

here is what I carry in these type of situations
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/kempobb/pro_10296_2_7_zps7a21afb8.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/kempobb/media/pro_10296_2_7_zps7a21afb8.jpg.html),

[bhn22]

Has anybody mentioned 10mm yet? :grin: A good 45 ACP load would be as light as I'd care to go if a casual black bear encounter is in the offing. A bullet of at least 230 grains, with as broad of a meplat you can find that feeds 100%. You'll want it traveling around 900 FPS or so. As you might guess, most guys would prefer a heavy revolver for a situation like this. I tried 40 S&W in the early days, and since I can get guns about the same size in more potent calibers nowdays, I'd pass on it, and it's little sister the 9mm for this application. Shooting bears from a stand are way different from standing on the ground, watching as they run towards you. Bigger is better.

[jmort]

A .357 will work well. Single action is simple and you will not be able to fire more than one or two rounds if startled by a charging bear anyway. A 180 grain LBT style .357 boolit has better SD than a 200 grain 10 mm and will give better penetration.

[Dan Cash]

One gun I've had that meets your criteria is a Glock 20. 10mm can be loaded pretty stout for black bear, and the Glock will be ultra reliable.

Until it squirts a magazine during firing. Had one and never again.

[contender1]

I'd opt for a good Ruger DA revolver. The Alaskan comes to mind to fit your desires. I think any of the calibers will be cast friendly.

GP100MAN,,, I understand your "issues" at the blueberry farm. In NC, the state will NOT issue a depredation permit for bear or turkeys. Only RARELY will they remove a bear, and only after it poses a SERIOUS threat to people. I'm a state certified Animal Damage Control Agent, and I get a lot of calls about bears. I can't do much but offer preventive advice.
Tell the blueberry farmer this;
To prevent bears from harvesting his crop, a double row of high voltage electric fencing may be his best option. Space two separate fences about 18" apart, at least 4-5' high. It only needs to be turned on for a few months out of the year. I have a few other ideas to share if needed. PM me if needed.

[badbob454]

dean winchester will this digest semi wad cutters and holopoints and what is the magazine capacity , i for got about the 10 , hmm may have to get this one , must sell my russian sks , and look into this one 45's are good deep penetrators but the ones i had didnt like cast boolits , even the round nose ,course i bought a few ( cheap ) ones
llama's.

[DeanWinchester]

I wouldn't know I don't have one but my 4006 is pretty close to it. It's a .40 S&W (10mm short lol)
And it is 11+1. It eats up cast like no tomorrow. A member here cast some hollow points for me, they shoot great. Wide meplat is no problem. I don't see the 10mm being any different if the pistol and magazine are in good order.

I traded for it late last year and have better than 600 rounds through it so far. No malfunctions of any kind......and I ain't cleaned it but once wheni first got it.

[bob208]

a colt saa clone in .44-40 would do the job. I think a ruger security-six in .357 would do a real nice job.

[taco650]

I'll second the 10mm. Properly loaded and properly placed, it will get the job done.
I'm a Glock fan myself but may I also suggest a gently used S&W 1006. Just as reliable and certainly more class in the looks department.

96706

+1 on this post. I'd also recommend a 4" S&W 57 in 41 mag. Little less recoil than the 44 and all the penetration.

[Lonegun1894]

If this is open to revolvers, then I would say any 4-6" revolver chambered in .357 Mag or larger depending on what you can control and shoot well, regardless of single or double action. I prefer Rugers, but to each his own, as long as you trust it and shoot it well.

[badbob454]

i can shoot a 454 casull well , but it is a heavy gun for hiking i want a heavy hitter with little weight prefer a steel gun not plastic 40 . 10mm. 44mag. 45acp , just want a dependable pistol, i have a 357 mag , is this enough gun? , id hate to piss a black bear off...

[Love Life]

In your area a 1911 is fine. Since you want a revolver I would tote a S&W in 45 Colt. I usually pack a S&W model 28, 1911, or a 10mm. Just depends what I'm feeling that day.

[jonp]

Auto? 10mm probably maybe one of these EAA Witness 28oz if weight is a factor for you. They also come in all steel and the CZ75 Platform is very nice to shoot.
96777

Revolver? Ruger Blackhawk 357 Mag or up. I have shot bear with a 357 Mag with hunting loads and it will get the job done but unless I'm sure I will have time for a good shot like from a stand I would want something heavier. 41 Mag is a favorite of mine. 45LC will do the job. In panic situation you might not remember to cock the hammer each time so a double action might be a better choice here.

[taco650]

I read recently that John Linebaugh's everyday carry is a 4" S&W model 25 in 45LC with 260 (maybe it was 280?) cast at 900fps. If that's good enough for the man who's created some of the most powerful single action revolver cartridges in existence, it's probably good enough for your needs too.

[osteodoc08]

Revolver- 357 on up. SA v DA is up to you. I love the 41mag and would be comfortable with my M57 with some stout CastBoolits loads of an LBT WFN variety. There was a nice article about using heavies in the 357 in the most recent article of HANDLOADER magazine.

Semiauto- 10mm variety with 200gr LBT WFN variety. I can launch my 200gr XTP's at 1150 and I'm pretty sure I could get some cast boolits about that speed or better of same weight. My platform I use personally is a Glock 20SF. It has been a very reliable shooter for me.

[Chihuahua Floyd]

My woods gun varies from a 357 Mag Ruger Blackhawk, to a 357 GP 100 to a 44 Mag Super Blackhawk. Sometimes a Ubertie Cattleman in 45 Colt.
I have shot single actions most of my life and I have had the SBH for over 30 years. Do not overlook a single action.
CF

[C. Latch]

I read recently that John Linebaugh's everyday carry is a 4" S&W model 25 in 45LC with 260 (maybe it was 280?) cast at 900fps. If that's good enough for the man who's created some of the most powerful single action revolver cartridges in existence, it's probably good enough for your needs too.


And I have learned that I can duplicate those figures - a 252-grain flat point at 900' - at normal pressures using 800-x in a 1911.


This fall when my dad goes early-season elk hunting he's borrowing one of my 1911s with that load as a sidearm in case of a bad bear encounter.

[Grapeshot]

I would suggest a S&W 625 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt with Lyman's 454424 Keith 255 grain SWC or their .452664 255 grain RNFP on top of a healthy 17 grains of Aliant 2400.

I use a Colt .45 Anaconda for my woods backup.

[Hickok]

Like most of the fella's here I have a bunch of semi autos and revolvers. We have alot of blackbear, coyotes and off of late big cats in our woods. My go-to woods packing handgun is 4" Smith 629. If I am not packing the Smith in the woods, I carry a Ruger Blackhawk or Vaquero in .45 Colt, both with cast boolits, of course! Both will kill anthing that walks on 4 legs here WV, (no brag, just fact!!!)

A good .44 special would also work loaded right! I can add I have killed deer with the .357 mag and 170-180 cast, but have no experience with it on bear. I would have to quess it would penetrate real well with a good heavy cast bullet.

Just my opinion from past bad experience, I have NO use for j-word ammo in my handguns when in the woods.

[Lefty SRH]

My thoughts are a Ruger Blackhawk .44spl Flattop
The .357 idea with 180 WFN cast is another great idea. Thats what i carry in my sidearm when im hog hunting.

[badbob454]

thanks for the feed back... i went for a s&w m&p proffesional 40 and its a great shooter feeds cast well , and the bears in my area seldom reach 400 lbs. this has a 5 '' barrel so I should get a little more power out of it ...

[kweidner]

Personally I too love the .41. 6" Dan is a bit heavy but my model 357pd is perfect. Ruger would be a fantastic option too. Some reason a .357 seems a little small IMHO. Bigger meplat gives better Shock. Might look at the model 329PD in .44 mag. They aren't fun to shoot unless loaded down at the range but pack a mighty wallop with full house on both ends. A 24oz revolver wears on the hip might nice.

[JHeath]

It's an oddball caliber but . . . thought about the .40 Super?

(Here's where more knowledgeable people should pipe up about availability of dies, etc.)

You'd have to convert a pistol, brass. It makes the .41 Mag fans sound reasonable by comparison, a caliber for the guy who insists on being different.

The .40 Super is a little more powerful than the 10mm, but the real advantage is that it's a bottleneck cartridge, which is good for feeding reliability in auto pistols.

I'm surprised it's not more popular.

[rexherring]

http://www.kygunco.com/ruger-blackhawk-45lc-4-58-bl-single-action-revolver-65232

.45 Colt with a cast Lee 300RNFP and some H-110 or 2400




Nuff said.

[lostsixgunner]

Another vote for the S&W Mountain Gun. Mines a .44. Load it to your comfort level. Packs as easily as my
1911.

[DougGuy]

If it don't start with a 4, don't go after a bear with it!

Ruger Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, or original Vaquero SA in .44 Magnum or .45 Colt caliber. Lee 300gr RF boolits, very heavy hitters. 4 5/8" barrel, very good trail guns.

Ruger Redhawk, same two calibers, same Lee RF boolit loaded to Ruger Only loads, 4" barrel.

S&W Mountain Gun in .44 Magnum, 4" barrel. Not sure if the mountain gun in .45 Colt can withstand the 30,000psi Ruger Only loads. If it can, put it on the list too.

You can expect to get a controllable 1100-1150 feet per second out of either caliber, with these heavy Lee boolits in the .44 and .45 calibers, there isn't hardly enough difference between the two to measure, less than 50 ft lbs of kinetic energy

The people that work in the Great Dismal Swamp reserve are issued 4" S&W .44 Magnums, that is their Federal Government supplied sidearms, and there are HUNDREDS of breeding pairs of black bears in there! If there was anything better for a sidearm, them boys would have it, trust me on that one.

.44 Magnum, Lee C430-310-RF boolit over 17.0gr H2400 Starline brass, WLP primers. 1150 f/s velocity, EXCELLENT bear medicine!

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/DougGuy/Reloading/466c9cd3-4396-4945-8fd1-d7edadfffdf2_zpsdbbc2485.jpg (http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/DougGuy/media/Reloading/466c9cd3-4396-4945-8fd1-d7edadfffdf2_zpsdbbc2485.jpg.html)

.45 Colt, Lee C452-300-RF boolit over 20.5gr LilGun (1100f/s) or 22.5gr H110 (1175f/s) Starline brass, WLP primers. About 320gr with GC installed. Again, EXCELLENT bear medicine.

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/DougGuy/Reloading/b0365352-e008-4573-ae2e-859b8a99fe82_zps7c72c5cb.jpg (http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/DougGuy/media/Reloading/b0365352-e008-4573-ae2e-859b8a99fe82_zps7c72c5cb.jpg.html)

.45 Colt Beartooth 325gr WFN DCG GC boolit over 22.5gr H2110...

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/DougGuy/Reloading/70fab7c0-fdc4-4f54-831a-a3f547f267e6_zps41db33cb.jpg (http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/DougGuy/media/Reloading/70fab7c0-fdc4-4f54-831a-a3f547f267e6_zps41db33cb.jpg.html)

[MT Chambers]

I really like my Freedom arms '83 in .454 Casull, with 4 3/4" barrel, it came with an extra .45 Colt's cylinder, express sights, bl. micarta grips, nothing like it!

[AlaskanGuy]

To be honest, (hope this dont piss everybody off) i would go for a wheel gun.... I never depend on a auto with handloads for bear stuff in the woods... My woods guns tend to get dropped, or dirty, and there are too many things that can happen to jam one up.... Just my opinion though... Please dont everybody jump down my throat.....

With that being said... Grab yourself a decent used 44 mag with a large frame... Ought to be able to find one for under 500 used.... If possible, make it stainless, as it will handle the weather better, also, i would suggest a chest holster.... Maybe like this... 100164 or something similar..here is the link for the one that I wear... http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Nylon-Alaska-Guide-Holster,1985,34.htm. That way when your walking through the brush it wont be getting snagged on stuff... And if you are wading through the water and step into a deep spot by accident, you gun hopefully wont go into the drink.... Plus that chest holster has a simple snap at keeps the gun from falling out when you bend over to grab a fish or whatnot.. Here is a pic of me wearing mine.... The snap pops off very quickly for easy access... I have gotten to where I can pull the gun very quickly in case i get an unwanted bear visit.

100165

Just some info for you from somebody that wears one in the brush 6 months out of the year....

AG

[JHeath]

Cordova? Is that the Copper River delta in the photo?

Last I was there, we were doing prelim work for a small hydro dam on Humpback Creek. The foreman knew I had an abbreviated 12 ga. Baker Batavia double (18", legal) and asked me to bring it every day. Still the only job I ever had where the boss asked me to bring a sawed-off shotgun to work.

[starmac]

If you are truly carrying it for bear protection, I have to go along with Akguy and Dougguy 44 and up with healthy chunks of lead. If a bear truly charges with intent to harm you, he will be coming fast and you want something that will bust bone. My wifes cousin killed one with a browning highpower, but not before it chewed him up pretty bad. He got several rounds in it, including some down it's throat, luckily the last one (in his mouth) killed it because the gun jammed. I carry a super black hawk with a 7/12 in barrel, in a regular holster, and even with long days do not notice the weight. I do a lot more riding a wheeler, or in a canoe or boat than I actually walk, but I just don't pay any attention to it. I might would carry one with less barrel, but not less horse power.

[Any Cal.]

I vote for the .44 if you don't mind the weight, and a G20 with custom bullets if you do. I ran with a .44 for years, and was comfortable with it, but now use the G20, and am comfortable with it (mostly...). If you are not walking, the .44 may be better. If you are, it starts to get complicated.

I get about 75% of the penetration in lumber with my own 10mm as my own 44, in flesh they may be a bit closer. In any case it was enough to make a hole in a bear even if he was hiding behind a small tree.

I have had a similar number of jams in each, both caused by out of spec reloads. High primers bound up the .44, and an inadequate taper crimp would mess up the G 20. Either issue would not have affected the other gun, fwiw.

The Redhawk can be fieldstripped with anything that can get the grips off, the G20 can be torn down with a toothpick. I don't love the Smiths largely because of the sideplate design as far as a field gun.

[2wheelDuke]

I'd second the .44mag or 10mm. I don't mind Glocks, but some people do. I've started experimenting with a 10mm conversion barrel in my Glock 30. If it continues to be 100% reliable, I'll start carrying it in the woods. I might just wind up getting a Glock 29 or 20 if it doesn't.