357 mag for bear?

[Wazukie]

I carry very hot loads in my 4" .357 and I would not hesitate to shoot a bear with it.   But that said, I shoot it every chance I get, and that's a lot.  Practice practice practice, that's the key as far as I'm concerned.  No your limitation with the revolver you plan to carry and dont push past it.

[adamR]

Sounds like a 357 would work but only with the right load and alot of practice, maybe Ill just wait til I can afford a bigger revolver.  Until then I guess I'll just carry my xd for defense and hope the bear is still in the area after I go get my rifle.

[RadSav]

I've seen a number of bear killed with the .357.  All with good bullets and all at quite close range.  Did a fine job.  But these were bear taken from tree stands or out of trees using dogs.  The pistol you mention is a good shooter, however not much for any distance at all.  Talking archery distances or less when it comes to bear.

You can find some dang good deals on the little Winchester and Marlin lever guns.  That would extend your range greatly.  30-30 is one heck of a good 100 yard bear gun.  In the right hands a good 150 yard bear gun.  Especially these days with the new Hornady soft tip bullets.  444 Marlin is one heck of a good bear gun and the new bullets really improved distance.  Though those are a little harder to find and a bit more money when you do.

[whackmaster]

  RADSAV

I've seen a number of bear killed with the .357.  All with good bullets and all at quite close range.  Did a fine job.  But these were bear taken from tree stands or out of trees using dogs.  The pistol you mention is a good shooter, however not much for any distance at all.  Talking archery distances or less when it comes to bear.

You can find some dang good deals on the little Winchester and Marlin lever guns.  That would extend your range greatly.  30-30 is one heck of a good 100 yard bear gun.  In the right hands a good 150 yard bear gun.  Especially these days with the new Hornady soft tip bullets.  444 Marlin is one heck of a good bear gun and the new bullets really improved distance.  Though those are a little harder to find and a bit more money when you do.

[deerslyr]

You can always pick up a H&R 45/70 for $250. I think it only has an 18 in barrel? Regardless its pretty compact and doesnt get caught up on much, their cheap ($250) and pack a hell of a punch. Thats what I carry when im ridin and have a tag in my pocket.

[bearpaw]

You can always pick up a H&R 45/70 for $250. I think it only has an 18 in barrel? Regardless its pretty compact and doesnt get caught up on much, their cheap ($250) and pack a hell of a punch. Thats what I carry when im ridin and have a tag in my pocket.

That is a great bear round. 

Sounds like a 357 would work but only with the right load and alot of practice, maybe Ill just wait til I can afford a bigger revolver.  Until then I guess I'll just carry my xd for defense and hope the bear is still in the area after I go get my rifle.

If you really want to hunt bear with a pistol I would consider trading up to a Contender, they make excellent hunting pistols due to their design and longer barrels. But your .357 is certainly good enough for protection at closer ranges. Try shooting groups with it at 10 yard intervals and you will know what your effective range is.